MANILA — Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon said Saturday that authorities could still pursue accountability in flood control project irregularities despite the death of former Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.
Ridon said investigators may summon Cabral’s former staff to testify on how project proposals were prepared and budgets processed. He added that the House of Representatives and other investigating bodies could request records from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other agencies to trace project approvals.
Ridon said the investigation will seek to identify individuals involved in preparing, approving, and implementing the questioned flood control projects. Authorities may also request testimony from whistleblowers, contractors, and other witnesses.
Ridon said the House inquiry could coordinate with the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit, and other agencies for information sharing.
The investigation will aim to determine how alleged budget insertions occurred, who approved them, and whether private entities benefited from the projects. Ridon said the creation of the legal team signals that the probe will continue and that responsible parties could still face legal consequences.