Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has cast doubt on the circumstances surrounding the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral, calling for a deeper investigation into the incident.
In a press conference held on Monday, January 5, Singson said he does not believe that Cabral’s death was a case of suicide or an accidental fall, contrary to initial findings released by authorities.
“Kailangang maimbestigahan ’yan. I don’t believe na nagpakamatay ’yon,” Singson said, stressing that there are details surrounding the incident that he believes have yet to be fully examined.
According to Singson, Cabral was reportedly afraid of heights, making it unlikely, in his view, that she would have voluntarily gone near a dangerous area along Kennon Road in Benguet, where she was last seen.
“Unang-una, takot sa height ’yon. May tumawag sa kaniya na pumunta doon at nagbalik-balik [sila] dahil may tumatawag na ‘punta ka roon,’” Singson claimed, adding that Cabral’s repeated presence in the area raised suspicions.
He further alleged that Cabral may have been forcibly pushed, saying he believes the former DPWH official had knowledge of alleged irregularities in government projects.
“Palagay ko, tinulak. Ang balita ko, siya ang nakakaalam ng lahat ng mga kalokohan,” Singson said.
Singson also went as far as to suggest that the incident could not have happened without the alleged approval of higher authorities, including Malacañang, though he did not present evidence to support the claim.
“Hindi nila magagawa ’yan kung walang basbas ng Malacañang. Hindi magagawa ng DPWH ang lahat ng ’yan kung walang blessing ng Malacañang,” he added.
As of this writing, Malacañang has not issued any statement in response to Singson’s allegations.
Cabral was reported missing on the night of December 18, 2025, and was found dead in the early hours of December 19 after allegedly falling into a ravine estimated to be 20 to 30 meters deep along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet.
The Benguet Provincial Police Office earlier confirmed that Cabral was found unconscious and unresponsive near the Bued River at around 12:03 a.m. Authorities have since stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of her death.
