UNDERSECRETARY Maria Catalina Cabral is no longer with the Department of Public Works and Highways, as Secretary Vince Dizon accepted her courtesy resignation on Thursday. Cabral’s departure follows her implication in the scandal involving anomalous flood control projects.
However, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is determined to question former Cabral regarding anomalous flood control projects, even after her courtesy resignation was accepted by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. The resignation, submitted two nights prior, was confirmed by Dizon during the committee’s hearing.
While Dizon acknowledged Cabral’s resignation and her request to be excused from the hearing, he also stated that she would still be obligated to attend if subpoenaed.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a former chairman of the committee, emphasized that Cabral’s resignation would not exempt her from accountability, stating that there are “personal questions that we need to ask.” This sentiment was echoed by the new panel chairman, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
The committee swiftly moved to issue a subpoena against Cabral, ensuring her appearance before the Senate.
This action underscores the Senate’s commitment to thoroughly investigating the alleged irregularities in flood control projects, including the P51 billion infrastructure projects for the 1st district of Davao City that Cabral confirmed during a House hearing. Allegations that Cabral’s office attempted to influence the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) further fuel the Senate’s resolve to question her.
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