PH Politics

Philippine authorities report that former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral tested positive for an antidepressant drug as they investigate her death in Baguio City. Police detail CCTV footage, forensic findings consistent with a fall along Kennon Road, and the clearance of her driver from involvement. Investigators analyze her cellphone, hotel-room evidence, and DPWH office files turned over to the Ombudsman, including documents tied to infrastructure projects and budget requests over the past decade.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday warned the public to avoid overeating, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption during the Christmas holidays after recording an increase in holiday-related ailments. The agency reported more cases of hypertension, high blood sugar, and stomach problems, and it urged people with chronic conditions to exercise caution. Government hospitals and local health units remain on heightened alert for lifestyle-related emergencies as the DOH issues reminders on healthier food choices, responsible drinking, and smoke-free celebrations.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines warns the public about a YouTube channel allegedly posting AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. The military urges citizens to verify online content, report suspicious accounts and rely on official AFP platforms for authentic messages. Authorities monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to address the spread of deceptive digital content targeting military leadership.

Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign the Philippines’ 2026 national budget on Jan. 5, 2026, resulting in a five-day period under a re-enacted budget at the start of the year. The government will operate using the previous year’s appropriations from Jan. 1 to Jan. 5, 2026, until the new General Appropriations Act takes effect. Executive officials stated that agencies can fund ongoing programs during this period but cannot start new projects that depend on the 2026 budget.

Rep. Leandro Leviste of Batangas’ 1st District said on December 22 that each district and party-list representative receives at least P150 million annually in budget insertions under the Department of Public Works and Highways, citing documents associated with former Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral. Leviste said the records show that lawmakers direct these DPWH allocations to projects in their constituencies and that the pattern persists across budget cycles. His statement comes amid continuing scrutiny of how Congress structures and labels infrastructure funds in the national budget.

The Department of Justice in the Philippines reported new fund recoveries from contractor Sally Santos and former DPWH officials Gerard Opulencia and Henry Alcantara in connection with alleged ghost and anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan and the National Capital Region. Santos turned over P15 million under a restitution deal, while Opulencia and Alcantara surrendered P40 million and P71.38 million, respectively, as part of larger commitments tied to DOJ memorandums of agreement and provisional admission to the Witness Protection Program.

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines has issued a subpoena duces tecum directing the Department of Public Works and Highways to surrender all government-issued computers and electronic devices of the late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral for forensic examination in connection with the Flood Control Scandal investigation. Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic Clavano IV said a law enforcement agency will examine the devices to determine if any data was altered, deleted, or tampered with after the scandal became public. Police, meanwhile, continue to investigate Cabral’s death after authorities found her body in a Benguet ravine, with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stating that she died of blunt force trauma consistent with a fall.