Ombudsman issues summons on Cabral’s computer and devices

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

December 22, 2025 | 6:11pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman said that it has issued a summons for the devices of the late Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.

In a statement on Monday, December 21, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said that the Ombudsman has issued a "subpoena duces tecum" requiring "the immediate production of all computer and electronic devices" previously issued to Cabral.

A subpoena duces tecum is also a summons, but the person is ordered to bring specific items relevant to the case.

According to Clavano, the devices will be subjected to forensic examination by a law enforcement agency to "determine whether any data was altered, deleted, or tampered with after the Flood Control Scandal was first made public."

When asked what the Ombudsman's next steps will be if the data from the devices is found to be altered, Clavano said: "Subject the gadgets to further forensics to dig for the deleted and altered information."

Cabral was found unconscious on December 19 along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, shortly after parting ways with her driver.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Cabral died by suicide, saying that "all circumstances point to a deliberate act rather than an accident."