Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon assured senators that the resignation of former Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral will not derail ongoing investigations into alleged anomalies within the agency during the joint Blue Ribbon Committee and Civil Service panel hearing on September 18, 2025. 

Senator Rodante Marcoleta sought to question former DPWH Usec. Maria Cabral regarding the text message she previously sent to Senate President Vicente Sotto, but Cabral was noticeably absent despite being invited.

Dizon confirmed that Cabral had formally stepped down just days before the hearing.

“I officially accepted the courtesy resignation of Undersecretary Cabral two nights ago,” he stated.

Senator Marcoleta stated that Cabral’s resignation would not exempt her from answering questions before the Senate. 

Sec. Dizon echoed similar sentiments, stressing that her departure would not affect the agency’s commitment to accountability. 

“We have also made public that while former Undersecretary Maria Cabral is no longer with the DPWH, we have been very clear in the new leadership of the DPWH, that this does not in any way stop us from continuing our internal investigations on finding out who should be liable for the clear crimes that have been committed against our people. So we will continue that investigation regardless of whether she or any others will no longer be part of the DPWH,” Dizon emphasized.

The panel later agreed to issue a subpoena compelling her appearance in the next hearing.

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