CPU of Cabral's computer to undergo forensic exam

The central processing unit (CPU) of the computer of the late former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral is set to undergo forensic examination, the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) said on Monday, Dec. 29.

- By JEFFREY DAMICOG

"At present, the CPU is now secured, sealed and under the custody of the Office of the Ombudsman which considers this a critical development as it allows the investigation to proceed on the basis of an original digital piece of evidence," Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said in a video statement.

The digital forensic examination will be done transparently and in coordination with the Commission on Audit (COA), the DPWH, and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) "to ensure the integrity of the whole process," Clavano said.

The computer of the former DPWH undersecretary forms part of the so-called "Cabral files" which allegedly contain the names of government officials allegedly involved in anomalous government flood control projects.

Clavano stressed that "the best and most reliable source of documents are actually the agencies and individuals who had custody, who had control and even authorship of the computers and the storage devices and the files themselves".

"Evidence that is derived directly from these sources will naturally carry far greater evidentiary value than copies that are circulating outside official custody," he pointed out.