The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it will turn over all digital storage devices and official records under the custody of the late former undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral in full compliance with a subpoena issued by the Office of the Ombudsman.
In a statement, the DPWH said it will submit all data storage devices, computers, and related digital equipment, with the necessary authority, to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) for forensic examination.
The department will also surrender all documents, records, and files maintained by Cabral’s office during her tenure.
“The DPWH remains committed to transparency and will continue to cooperate fully with investigating bodies to provide any further assistance required in the ongoing inquiry,” it said.
The move comes amid an Ombudsman investigation into alleged irregularities involving flood control and other infrastructure projects, following claims that Cabral left behind documents detailing supposed budget insertions and project listings across various districts.
The issue gained renewed attention after Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste called on the DPWH to publicly release a list of names and documents reportedly linked to Cabral, arguing that disclosure would help clarify the extent of the alleged anomalies and identify public officials who may have benefited from questionable allocations.
DPWH officials, however, said the release and handling of the documents must comply with legal processes and data-handling protocols, noting that the Ombudsman’s subpoena requires the preservation and proper turnover of evidence for official review.
Cabral, a former DPWH undersecretary, died on December 19, 2025. Her office was reportedly involved in the evaluation and coordination of several infrastructure programs, including flood control projects, which have long been scrutinized for potential misuse of public funds.
The Ombudsman has not yet released details on the scope of the investigation or the individuals who may be covered, but officials said the forensic examination of digital files will be critical in determining the authenticity and origin of the documents.
The DPWH said it will continue to assist authorities as the investigation progresses, emphasizing that it supports accountability measures aimed at safeguarding public resources and restoring public trust in government infrastructure programs.
