NBI considers lie-detector-test for driver of Cathy Cabral

• The NBI said a polygraph test , otherwise known as a lie-detector-test may be requested from Cathy Cabral’s driver if needed
• Officials stressed that polygraph exams are not admissible as court evidence
• The driver is not under NBI custody amid the continuing investigation
• The bureau will conduct its own probe despite initial police findings

The National Bureau of Investigation said it may ask the driver of former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Ma. Catalina “Cathy” Cabral to undergo a polygraph test as part of its continuing investigation.

On Tuesday, NBI spokesperson Attorney Palmer Mallari clarified that a polygraph examination is strictly an investigative aid and cannot be used as evidence in court.

He explained that such a test would only be considered if investigators remain uncertain about a witness’s account.

“In the event that the investigators are not yet convinced on the statements being offered by a witness, malamang pwedeng maipatawag para may request for polygraph examination,” says Mallari.

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Mallari further noted that the test would no longer be necessary if the evidence already supports the statements given by the witness.

“Pero kung halimbawa naman ang mga imbestigador ay kumbinsido na sa mga nakita nilang ebidensya at ito'y nagtutugma doon sa statements na ino-offer naman ng particular na witness, malamang wala nang need for a polygraph examination,” he says.

“It's actually a hypothetical statement.”

The NBI also emphasized that Cabral’s driver is not currently under its custody.

Despite earlier police remarks suggesting that initial findings pointed to suic*ide, the bureau said it would still complete its own independent review before reaching any final determination.

Based on the driver’s earlier statement, he and Cabral were traveling along Kennon Road toward La Union when she requested to be dropped off along the highway.

After leaving her there, the driver proceeded to a nearby gasoline station.

He later returned to the area around 5 p.m. but did not find Cabral. The driver then went back to the hotel where she had been staying, only to discover that she had not returned.

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He reported the situation to police at around 7 p.m.

At about 8 p.m., Cabral was found unconscious and unresponsive beside the Bued River, roughly 20 meters below the highway, prompting further investigation by authorities.

In an earlier KAMI article, the Bureau of Customs was reported to be conducting a more thorough review of the importation of around 40 luxury vehicles allegedly linked to the family of Sarah Discaya. The scrutiny followed a viral interview that highlighted the family’s collection of high-end cars. Authorities said the BOC is checking import documents, shipping records, and declared consignees to determine whether any customs rules were violated. The issue has drawn wider attention as Discaya has also been linked to contractors involved in flood control projects now under Senate review. Around the same period, the reported death of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Catalina Cabral added to the series of developments being closely monitored by the public.

Meanwhile, veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas stirred online discussion after posting a photo from her recent visit to Disneyland. She was seen posing in front of a palace-like attraction, which quickly caught the attention of netizens. Her caption opening with “My P10 Million Palace” drew mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a playful nod to past allegations made by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, while others saw it as a lighthearted remark.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh