ILOILO — The death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral has deepened public unease over the fate of the government’s probe into alleged corruption in flood control projects, drawing a pointed call from a senior Iloilo church leader to let documents — not fear or silence — lead the search for truth.
Cabral, a key figure in the investigation into questionable multi-million-peso flood control projects, was found unconscious on December 19 along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, shortly after she parted ways with her driver.
Her death was confirmed the following day by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, with preliminary findings failing to immediately clarify the circumstances of her passing.
In an interview with DYFM Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Monsignor Meliton Oso, director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center, expressed sorrow over Cabral’s death while voicing hope that it was accidental and not the result of foul play.
“We can only pray and hope that this was an accident. Our condolences are with her family during this difficult time,” Oso said.
Beyond mourning, Oso underscored the wider implications of Cabral’s death, noting that her role was crucial to the investigation into flood control projects beset by allegations of corruption. Her loss, he said, raises fears of delay or disruption in uncovering the truth.
During the interview, Oso also offered comfort to Cabral’s family, quoting Luis Antonio Tagle: “God suffers with you and is present in your grief,” a message he said reflected the solidarity of the community in moments of loss.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Cabral’s death, Oso said the pursuit of accountability must continue.
“We hold on to the belief that the documents related to these projects will lead us to the truth. The loss of Undersecretary Cabral is heartbreaking, but we must push forward,” he said.
He went further, urging those involved in government service — particularly those entangled in corruption — to take the tragedy as a moment of reckoning.
“Change is necessary; do not wait for tragedy to inspire transformation in your own lives. Repent, amend, and return to integrity,” Oso stressed.
Reflecting on the unresolved questions surrounding Cabral’s passing, Oso emphasized that the investigation should now rest firmly on documentary evidence.
“I hope, may mga dokumento man eh, so ma–base lang kita sa documento. Again, ginakasubo naton ang natabo sa iya and I am endlessly praying for her eternal repose … God is merciful, kag kabay pa nga matandog man ang mga kauturan naton nga nangin kabahin sining maka-ulugot, nga makahuluya nga pagpangawat sa gobyerno. But we want to believe the documents … kanugon nga nadula siya nga wala ya nasugid ang kamatuoran, but we believe that the documents will lead us to the truth,” he said.
As authorities continue to look into Cabral’s death, questions linger not only about how she died, but also about whether the momentum of the flood control investigation she was part of can be sustained — a test, observers say, of the government’s resolve to pursue accountability even in the face of tragedy./PN