Cabral computer readied for forensic examination

The Office of the Ombudsman is set to conduct a digital forensic examination on the hard drive of the computer of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral to determine the authenticity of the files supposedly detailing budget insertions for DPWH flood control projects.

- By ELIZABETH MARCELO

In a video statement released yesterday, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the ombudsman had been approached by multiple sources claiming to have copies of the so-called Cabral files, wherein the supposed proponents of budget insertions for flood control projects were listed.

Clavano, however, said unauthenticated files from third parties do not have credibility, thus it is better to rely on original evidence obtained from the agency that had official custody of the evidence, in this case the DPWH.

"At present, the central processing unit or the CPU is now secured, sealed and under the custody of the Office of the Ombudsman, and the office considers this a critical development as it allows the investigation to proceed on the basis of an original digital piece of evidence," Clavano said.

Cabral's computer was turned over by the DPWH to the ombudsman last week following a subpoena.

Though no definite date has yet been set, Clavano gave assurance that the digital forensic examination “will be done transparently” together with the DPWH, Commission on Audit and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group. “This is to ensure the integrity of the whole process,” he said.

Clavano, however, stressed that the files to be obtained from Cabral’s computer shall only form part of the ombudsman’s ongoing investigation on the flood control scam, pointing out that instances of budget insertion alone cannot prove the criminal liability of the project proponents.

Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste released last week a portion of the files, which he claimed to have been given to him by Cabral before her death.