The investigation will proceed as usual.
In a recent press conference following the death of ex-Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral in Benguet, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief Jonvic Remulla said the government’s investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects will proceed despite the reported death of former
Remulla told, “No matter what you do, the law will go after you. In life or in death, the wheels of justice will turn,” and added that Cabral’s demise will not halt the process of accountability and the recovery of public funds.
“Let me be clear: ang pagkamatay ng isang tao ay hindi ibig sabihin titigil ang gulong ng hustisya. Hahabulin namin ang lahat ng nagnanakaw ng yaman, buhay o patay. Kung ano mang ebidensya ang mayroon, gagawin ng gobyerno ang lahat ng kinakailangang hakbang para maibalik sa mga Pilipino ang perang ninakaw,” he stated.
The DILG Secretary also said that authorities are continuing to trace both financial and documentary evidence linked to the alleged scheme.
“Tuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon. May money trail at evidence trail pa rin na hahabulin,” said the SILG.
Cabral, who served as Undersecretary for Planning when the corruption scandal broke to public knowledge, was identified as one of the alleged masterminds of the scheme, along with former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
Remulla noted that she held a central role in approving projects and determining fund allocations, telling, “As Usec. for Planning, siya ang nagsasabi kung ano ang kailangang gawin, siya ang naga-approve, at siya ang nagsasabi kung saan ilalagay ang pondo at kung aling mga proyekto ang aaprubahan. Kasama siya ni Usec. Bernardo sa pag-apruba ng lahat ng ito.”
The DILG Secretary also issued a warning to other individuals implicated in the case to face the charges against them.
“Sa lahat ng mga akusado, mag-isip-isip kayo. Death will not protect you. Death will even bring greater shame to your family. Face up to the charges. Man up to the charges. Answer the charges. Have faith in the judicial system,” furthered Remulla.
Meanwhile, he assured the public that “no one is sacred” in the ongoing probe. “No death or any act will protect anyone from the government recovering the stolen money of the people.”
“We mean business. Kukunin namin, babatakin namin, at ibabalik sa taumbayan ang lahat ng ninakaw,” Remulla emphasized.