MANILA — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral had shown signs of cooperating with the Senate’s investigation into the flood control scam before her sudden death, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Ping Lacson.

Cabral had been implicated in the multi-billion peso kickback scheme involving DPWH flood control projects. Lacson revealed that on November 14, Cabral, through her lawyer, reached out to ask how she could proceed with her testimony before the Blue Ribbon Committee.

“She was showing some signs of cooperating with our investigation but with a lot of pressure which we could not explain,” Lacson said.

Lacson added that Cabral’s passing was tragic, as she could have significantly contributed to uncovering corruption not only in flood control projects but in other DPWH infrastructure anomalies.

The senator’s remarks came after former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo named Cabral and former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan in the alleged kickback scheme. Cabral was accused of approaching lawmakers with offers of obtaining kickbacks — a claim reinforced when Senate President Tito Sotto showed a screenshot of her message to his team. After the allegation surfaced, Cabral disappeared from public view until her death, reportedly after falling from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet.

“Malungkot yan kasi maraming masyadong nalalaman si former Usec Cabral tungkol sa mga goings on ng DPWH even many years before, up to now,” Sotto said, noting the weight of her knowledge on department operations.

Malacañang expressed condolences but remained tight-lipped on further investigations. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities are handling the case and stressed the privacy of Cabral’s family.

“Sa ngayon po ay wala pong kaso…Nasa kamay na po iyan ng mga mag-iimbestiga. So, sa ngayon po, wala pong kinakaharap na kaso si Usec. Cabral,” Castro said. She added that any further investigation will be conducted by the proper authorities.

The DPWH also extended condolences, describing Cabral’s death as a significant loss to the department. “Undersecretary Cabral served the Department for more than 40 years, and her loss will be mourned throughout the organization,” the department said, urging the public to respect the family’s privacy during this time.