Rowena Guanzon Calls on Those Involved in Flood Control Corruption to Come Forward
ROWENA GUANZON – The former Commission on Elections commissioner has urged individuals allegedly involved in corrupt flood control projects to come forward and speak up following the sudden death of former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Catalina Cabral. Guanzon shared the news of Cabral’s passing on her Facebook account on Friday, December 19, 2025, and emphasized that those with information about the disputed projects should no longer remain silent.
Guanzon encouraged those who had previously been excluded or who might still be implicated in the flood control corruption to reveal what they know, noting that it is their remaining chance to cooperate. She suggested that authorities could potentially identify and address each person involved, warning that failure to speak up could lead to serious consequences. According to her, it is likely that those with knowledge of the projects will eventually be singled out if they remain silent.
“Sa mga nilaglag na at ilalaglag nila sa flood control corruption na ito, magsalita na kayo hanggat maaga pa dahil yan ang natitira niyong alas sa kanila,” Guanzon noted. “Hindi malabo na isa isahin kayo dahil mapapahamak sila sa pagkanta niyo,” she added.
Cabral’s death was confirmed by authorities early Friday morning. Reports indicate that she was found unconscious and unresponsive near the Bued River in Tuba, Benguet, after reportedly falling from a cliff the night before, Thursday, December 18. The fall is estimated to have been from a height of 20 to 30 meters. Emergency responders discovered her around 8:00 p.m. in the area near the river.
Following her passing, DPWH expressed sympathy to Cabral’s family. The agency acknowledged her more than 40 years of service, noting that she dedicated much of her professional life to public service and infrastructure development. DPWH described her death as a significant loss to the department and called on the public to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.