Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday extended its condolences to the family of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who was declared dead after falling into a ravine along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on Thursday night.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro expressed sympathies during a press briefing, stating, "Nakikiramay po tayo sa pamilya na naiwan ni former Usec. Catalina Cabral. Nakakalungkot po ang nangyari (We extend our condolences to the family left behind by former Undersecretary Catalina Cabral. What happened is truly saddening)."
Cabral had been previously mentioned in connection to issues surrounding flood control projects within the DPWH. However, Castro clarified that she was not facing any criminal charges at the time of her death. She further noted that there is no directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to investigate Cabral's passing, as the President respects the family's privacy during their mourning period. "Iginagalang po muna natin ang pribadong buhay at ang pamilya ni Usec. Cabral. Sa ngayon, wala pong ipinag-uutos ang Pangulo at muli, wala pong kaso (We are respecting the private life of Undersecretary Cabral and her family. At present, the President has given no directive, and again, there is no case)," Castro added.
The Palace also stated that appropriate authorities would be responsible for any investigation related to Cabral's death.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III urged caution, citing unverified and conflicting reports about the circumstances of Cabral's death. In a Zoom interview with Senate media, Sotto noted that initial reports suggested suicide, while later accounts indicated a fall, raising questions about the accuracy of the circulating information. He emphasized that speculation on foul play would be premature and that only investigators could determine the facts. "Hindi naman ako kasama sa imbestigasyon o imbestigador (I am not part of the investigation or an investigator)," he remarked, stressing that the matter should be left to law enforcement.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson described the incident as "unfortunate and tragic," suggesting that Cabral could have contributed valuable insights into alleged corruption in DPWH infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada called for restraint and respect, emphasizing that this is a time of mourning for Cabral's family and urging the public to offer them space and understanding.
