Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The late Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral reportedly experienced severe emotional distress in the period leading to her passing, her lawyer said on Monday.
Atty. Mae Divinagracia revealed that Cabral made an initial attempt on her life at home after being named during Senate hearings on alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
According to Divinagracia, Cabral first tried to harm herself with a knife, which her daughter managed to stop, and later jumped from the stairs inside her residence.
Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo had accused Cabral of having control over certain budget programs during the tenure of previous secretaries, adding to her emotional strain.
The lawyer noted that Cabral’s distress intensified after she was asked to submit a courtesy resignation in the middle of the investigation and was denied retirement benefits despite decades of service.
On the day she died, Cabral reportedly made several stops along Kennon Road, observing the ravines at multiple points before the location where she eventually fell, according to her driver.
Divinagracia said Cabral refused to undergo professional evaluation for mental health, though she showed signs of depression, including low appetite and persistent anxiety.
Authorities said initial findings point to suicide, but the Philippine National Police (PNP) has not yet confirmed the cause of death conclusively.