Key witness in massive Philippine corruption scandal found dead after falling off cliff

Former undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral was accused of running a “kickback system” that benefited politicians and government contractors. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN

MANILA: A former senior Philippine government executive embroiled in a massive corruption scandal was found dead on Dec 18 after an apparent fall from a cliff in the country’s north.

Former Public Works undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, 63, was reported to have fallen along Kennon Road in Tuba town, Benguet province, a mountainous area known for its steep terrain and winding roads.