Cabral’s Death – Murder or Suicide?

Former Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral

Cabral’s Death – Murder or Suicide?

By Bing Jabadan and Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | December 22, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The unexpected demise of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral has sparked intense speculation.

Questions loom over whether her death was a tragic suicide or a calculated murder, particularly in light of her alleged involvement in questionable flood control projects.

As authorities remain tight-lipped on the official cause of her death, the surrounding controversy has intensified suspicions of foul play and potential cover-up.

Adding to the intrigue, Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste made a shocking claim on social media, alleging that Cabral’s children were instructed to withhold the release of her body until her cell phone was surrendered to authorities.

In his translated post, Leviste stated, “The children of the late USec Cabral were told not to release their mother’s body until they hand over her cell phone, despite no legal charges being filed against her.”

He further suggested that “the list of proponents of DPWH insertions is on her devices.”

These allegations raise critical concerns about the integrity of the ongoing investigation and the potential suppression of vital evidence.

Why the urgency to obtain Cabral’s phone prior to any formal charges? What information might it contain that someone is desperate to control?

The timing of Cabral’s death is particularly alarming.

She had recently been implicated in alleged irregularities within flood control projects by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who accused her of receiving illicit “commissions.”

Despite the allegations, Cabral vehemently denied any wrongdoing and cooperated with multiple investigative entities, including the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the Ombudsman, and various congressional committees.

In a statement from Cabral’s family’s legal counsel, Mae Divinagracia of Co & Divinagracia Law Offices, it was noted that Cabral’s files had been approved for release to her attorney as of September 4.

These files were subsequently presented to the ICI on November 18 and 19 and to the Ombudsman on November 26, with the DPWH retaining a copy.

Following Cabral’s passing, Divinagracia urged for “compassion, restraint, and humanity” toward the grieving family, reiterating Cabral’s consistent denial of involvement in any alleged misconduct and underscoring her extensive public service career.

“We remind everyone that, to date, not a single complaint — criminal, civil, or administrative — has been filed against her that would legally justify the seizure of any of her personal belongings,” the statement asserted.

“Thus, calls for the confiscation of her phone and other personal items are unwarranted.”

The family’s legal representative also addressed the allegations made by Bernardo, asserting that his claims remain unsubstantiated.

They pointed out that Bernardo himself acknowledged he did not witness Cabral receiving any illicit payments.

Moreover, the statement countered claims that Cabral was evading scrutiny, emphasizing her willingness to engage with investigations.

“The only reason she could not attend the ICI hearing on December 15, 2025, was that, contrary to reports, she did not receive any official notification regarding it.”

The statement concluded with a request for Cabral to be remembered with “fairness and compassion” and for her family to be spared from additional distress.

Nevertheless, Leviste’s assertions have cast a shadow over these reassurances.

The pressing question remains: What secrets lie within Cabral’s cell phone, and who stands to gain from its concealment?

The demand for the phone’s surrender prior to any formal charges raises the question: Was Cabral’s death a suicide or a meticulously planned murder intended to silence her and shield those involved in the alleged DPWH anomalies?

The contacts stored in Cabral’s phone could potentially unlock the truth.

The public deserves a thorough and transparent investigation into her death, free from political interference and the risk of evidence tampering.

Only then can the circumstances surrounding Cabral’s death be clarified and justice achieved.

Authorities must prioritize the preservation and examination of her phone’s contents, ensuring that all pertinent information is disclosed, regardless of who may be implicated.

The integrity of the investigation and the quest for justice hinge on this crucial step.