Romualdez, 86 Others Linked To Flood Control Scandal; Mystery Shrouds Key Witness’ Death

Former Speaker Martin G. Romualdez. 

Romualdez, 86 Others Linked To Flood Control Scandal; Mystery Shrouds Key Witness’ Death

By Bing Jabadan and Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | December 19, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A sprawling investigation into the alleged misappropriation of billions of pesos earmarked for flood control projects is threatening to topple prominent figures in Philippine politics, including former Speaker Martin G. Romualdez. Adding a layer of intrigue and suspicion to the unfolding saga is the untimely death of Maria Catalina E. Cabral, a former Undersecretary at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and a key witness in the probe. Her demise has sparked urgent calls for a transparent and comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The DPWH, in collaboration with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), is aggressively pursuing legal action against 87 individuals implicated in a massive corruption scheme. The proposed charges include plunder, malversation of public funds, graft, and bribery, all stemming from alleged irregularities in the allocation and implementation of flood control initiatives.

“The evidence we have gathered points to a systemic abuse of power and a blatant disregard for the public trust,” stated Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon during a press briefing. “The DPWH, alongside the ICI and the DOJ, is committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.”

The list of individuals potentially facing charges reads like a who’s who of Philippine politics and business. It includes former Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo, Senators Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva and Jose P. Ejercito Estrada, former senator Ramon B. Revilla, Jr., and contractor Cezarah C. Discaya. The potential charges underscore the breadth and depth of the alleged corruption.

The investigation was triggered by a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who ordered a comprehensive review of all flood control projects undertaken in the past three years. This directive followed growing concerns that a significant portion of the P545 billion allocated for flood control since 2022 had been siphoned off through corrupt practices. President Marcos himself has publicly stated that approximately P100 billion of these funds appear to have been monopolized by a mere 15 contractors, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability.

Authorities have already taken decisive action, freezing assets valued at a staggering P13 billion. This includes a wide array of financial instruments, encompassing 4,679 bank accounts, 283 insurance policies, 255 vehicles, 178 real estate properties, 16 e-wallet accounts, and three securities accounts. The sheer scale of the asset freeze highlights the magnitude of the alleged corruption and the government’s commitment to recovering stolen funds.

Cabral’s Death: Accident, Suicide, or Something More Sinister?

The death of former DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral has cast a dark shadow over the entire investigation. Cabral was discovered unconscious and unresponsive on December 18, 2025, near the Bued River, approximately 20 to 30 meters below Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet.

Initial police reports indicate that Cabral and her driver, Ricardio Munos Hernandez, were traveling along Kennon Road when she requested to be dropped off. Hernandez claims he complied with her request and returned later to find her missing. He then reported her disappearance to the authorities.

However, the circumstances surrounding Cabral’s death are far from clear, raising serious questions and fueling speculation about foul play. While the initial police report suggests a possible fall, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of suicide or, more disturbingly, murder.

Unanswered Questions Fuel Suspicion:

Several critical questions remain unanswered, adding to the growing unease surrounding Cabral’s death:

Why did Cabral request to be dropped off on Kennon Road?

 The location is remote, potentially dangerous, and offers no apparent reason for a casual visit.

What transpired during the hours between her being dropped off and the discovery of her body?

Where was she, and who, if anyone, did she encounter?

Were there any witnesses to her activities or the events leading to her death?

Securing eyewitness accounts is crucial to understanding the sequence of events.

Was Cabral under any pressure or facing any threats related to the ongoing flood control investigation?

This is perhaps the most critical question, as it could point to a motive for foul play.

The ICI has vehemently called for a thorough and impartial investigation into Cabral’s death, emphasizing the urgent need to determine the true cause of her demise. The commission has also formally requested access to Cabral’s electronic devices, including her phone and computer, believing they may contain vital information related to both her death and the broader flood control investigation.

“Given Undersecretary Cabral’s central role in the DPWH and her knowledge of the flood control projects under scrutiny, the circumstances of her death are deeply troubling,” stated a spokesperson for the ICI. “We implore authorities to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the truth. Justice demands a complete and transparent accounting of what happened to Undersecretary Cabral.”

Cabral’s death injects a chilling element into the flood control scandal, raising concerns about potential cover-ups and the lengths to which individuals may go to protect their interests. As the investigation intensifies, the nation anxiously awaits answers to the many questions surrounding Cabral’s death and the pervasive allegations of corruption within the DPWH. The relentless pursuit of truth and justice in this case is not only paramount to restoring public trust but also essential to holding those responsible accountable for their alleged crimes against the Filipino people.