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Former DPWH Undersecretary Cabral Confirmed Dead Despite Viral Claims
Authorities have definitively rejected viral claims suggesting that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral is still alive and residing abroad. Official reports confirm that Cabral died in December 2025 in Benguet province from injuries consistent with a fall.
The false narrative gained traction through a YouTube video that has accumulated over 103,000 views and thousands of engagements since its December 28 upload. The video’s thumbnail boldly claimed, “Viral video spotted Cabral. Nasa ibang bansa, buhay pa” (She is in another country and still alive). However, the content provides no substantive evidence to support these assertions, relying instead on unverified speculation.
According to official reports, Cabral was found unconscious along Bued River in Tuba, Benguet, approximately 20-30 meters below the highway. Emergency responders from Tuba Police, the local disaster risk reduction office, and the Bureau of Fire Protection retrieved her body shortly after midnight on December 19, when she was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
The Philippine National Police conducted a subsequent autopsy on December 20, which determined the cause of death to be blunt traumatic injuries consistent with a fall. Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla confirmed these findings, noting there were no immediate indications of foul play, though investigations into the circumstances leading to her death along Kennon Road continue.
Cabral’s death came amid her involvement in a high-profile corruption scandal that had rocked the infrastructure sector. As the former Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership at DPWH, she oversaw critical functions related to infrastructure planning and budget programming before her resignation in September 2025.
Her name had become central to Senate hearings investigating alleged corruption within the agency. Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo had identified Cabral as the purported mastermind behind a multi-billion-peso kickback system that allegedly operated under former public works chiefs Mark Villar from the Duterte administration and Manuel Bonoan from the current Marcos administration.
According to testimony during these hearings, Cabral wielded significant influence over the agency’s budgeting process. She allegedly possessed the authority to add, remove, or modify projects in the proposed national budget and ensure their inclusion in the National Expenditure Program.
Further allegations suggested Cabral had designed a proprietary algorithmic formula—reportedly known only to her—that determined each congressional district’s “allocable” budget for DPWH projects. An investigation by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism revealed that some of the highest allocations were directed to districts represented by politically influential figures, including relatives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The false claims about Cabral being alive appear to capitalize on public interest in the corruption scandal and the dramatic circumstances of her death. This case highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation in the Philippines, particularly surrounding high-profile political figures involved in controversial matters.
Authorities continue to investigate the complete sequence of events that led to Cabral’s death, though the forensic evidence and official statements clearly contradict the viral claims suggesting she survived and fled the country. The spread of such unsubstantiated theories underscores the importance of fact-checking and critical media consumption during politically sensitive moments.
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9 Comments
This is a sobering example of how quickly misinformation can spread, even around sensitive topics like someone’s passing. I commend the authorities for taking the time to thoroughly investigate and provide the definitive facts around Undersecretary Cabral’s death.
Absolutely. In an age of rampant online speculation and rumor-mongering, it’s critical that we rely on official, verified sources when it comes to important matters like this. Fact-checking is the best defense against the spread of misinformation.
This is a sobering reminder of the importance of verifying information, especially when it comes to sensitive matters like someone’s passing. I’m glad the authorities were able to provide clarity on the true circumstances around Undersecretary Cabral’s death.
Yes, it’s crucial that we rely on official, fact-based reporting rather than unsubstantiated rumors or claims, no matter how viral they may become. Spreading misinformation can have real consequences.
Tragic to hear about the passing of former DPWH Undersecretary Cabral. Despite the viral claims, it’s good that authorities have definitively confirmed the facts around her unfortunate death. Speculation and misinformation can be so damaging.
While it’s unfortunate that Undersecretary Cabral passed away, I’m glad the authorities were able to put an end to the false claims circulating online. Maintaining public trust requires diligent fact-checking and transparency, even in the face of viral misinformation.
While the viral video claiming Cabral was still alive generated a lot of attention, I’m relieved the authorities were able to conclusively refute those false reports and confirm the details of her tragic passing. Fact-checking is so important these days.
Tragic to see the spread of misinformation around Undersecretary Cabral’s death. I’m glad the authorities were able to provide the true facts and put an end to the false narratives. It’s a somber reminder of the need for responsible reporting and fact-checking.
This is a stark reminder of the need for responsible, ethical journalism and fact-based reporting. I commend the authorities for taking the time to thoroughly investigate and provide the true details around Undersecretary Cabral’s death, rather than allowing unsubstantiated rumors to take hold.