The remains of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral will undergo an autopsy and DNA testing to confirm her identity and rule out the possibility of a 'budol' or staged death, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Saturday.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Remulla said authorities are being extra cautious following Cabral’s reported death along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, early Friday morning.
“She is still undergoing autopsy and DNA test to make sure that is really her, baka budol budol 'to eh. Naninigurado lang tayo na siya talaga ’yan.,” Remulla said.
Authorities earlier reported that Cabral was found dead in Benguet, prompting the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to order a full forensic examination, including an autopsy and DNA analysis, as part of standard protocol.
Despite extending condolences to Cabral’s family, Remulla stressed that her death does not halt ongoing investigations or accountability efforts related to the flood control controversy.
Cabral had been linked to a controversial flood control scandal involving alleged ghost projects.
“Ang pagkamatay ng isang tao ay hindi ibig sabihin titigil ang gulong ng hustisya,” he said. “Hahabulin namin ang lahat ng nakaw yaman, buhay o patay. Kung ano man merong ebidensya, kukunin pa rin ng gobyerno ang lahat ng hakbang na kailangan para maibalik sa taong Pilipino ang perang ninakaw. Kaya sa lahat ng mga akusado, mag-isip-isip kayo.”
Remulla also issued a warning to other accused individuals linked to the scandal, emphasizing that death will not shield anyone from legal and moral responsibility.
“Death will not protect you. Death will even bring greater shame to your family. Face up to the charges, man up to the charges, answer the charges, and be and have faith in the judicial system,” the SILG added.
During the same briefing, Remulla confirmed that Cabral’s driver has been classified as a “person of interest,” along with other individuals who were last seen with her. While authorities said there are "no signs of foul play," Remulla noted that it is standard procedure to investigate all those closely connected to the deceased until autopsy results are released.
The DILG chief also pointed out “lapses” in the initial handling of the crime scene, particularly the decision to allow Cabral’s cellphone to be turned over to her family. It was later learned that the driver returned the device to Cabral’s relatives.
Remulla said the Philippine National Police (PNP) will subpoena the cellphone, along with other computers and electronic devices believed to contain crucial evidence related to the flood control case.
Meanwhile, the government’s civil forfeiture proceedings — aimed at recovering alleged ill-gotten wealth — will continue despite Cabral’s reported death.
Remulla described Cabral as a suspected “architect” of ghost projects within the DPWH, underscoring the administration’s resolve to pursue accountability and asset recovery regardless of developments surrounding her demise.
