DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday said the government’s investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects will proceed despite the reported death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.
Speaking at a press conference in Camp Crame, Remulla underscored that accountability does not end with death. “No matter what you do, the law will go after you. In life or in death, the wheels of justice will turn,” he said.
Remulla stressed that the reported death of Cabral following an alleged fall near the Bued River in Benguet will not halt the pursuit of accountability nor 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 said.
The DILG Secretary said 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,” Remulla said.
Cabral, who served as Undersecretary for Planning, was identified as one of the alleged masterminds of the scheme, along with former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo. Remulla said Cabral held a central role in approving projects and determining fund allocations.
“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,” he said.
Remulla added that authorities will conduct an autopsy and DNA tests to conclusively establish the identity of the body and determine the cause of death, including the possibility of foul play. “The family has positively identified her, but we cannot rely on that alone. Baka may budol play. Baka ibang katawan ang ginamit,” he said.
Assuring the public, Remulla emphasized that no individual is beyond the reach of the law. “To the Filipino people, we assure you that no one is sacred. No death or any act will protect anyone from the government recovering the stolen money of the people,” he said.
“We mean business. Kukunin namin, babatakin namin, at ibabalik sa taumbayan ang lahat ng ninakaw,” Remulla added.
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,” he said.
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