The Office of the Ombudsman will conduct a digital forensic examination of the computer hard drive of former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral to verify the authenticity of alleged files detailing budget insertions for flood control projects.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the secured CPU, now under ombudsman custody, is a critical piece of original digital evidence, as copies from third parties lack credibility and are prone to manipulation.
The examination, to be done transparently with the DPWH, Commission on Audit, and PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, will form part of the broader investigation but will not alone establish criminal liability.
Clavano also disputed claims by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste that the ombudsman had already reviewed the complete “Cabral files,” saying only limited portions were shown despite requests for full submission.
Meanwhile, police forensic findings indicated Cabral most likely slid down a ravine along Kennon Road rather than jumped, based on injury patterns, scene reconstruction, and laboratory results.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 30, 2025
