Quezon City — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral’s selfie that went viral on social media was shot from her driver’s cellphone, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

According to Remulla, the picture was taken at around eight in the morning. on Thursday, prior to Cabral traveling to Baguio City and lodging there with her driver.

After an alleged fall into a deep ravine near Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, the former undersecretary passed away on Thursday night.

She allegedly participated in a plot to corrupt billions of pesos from the national budgets in prior years by giving politicians “allocables” or projects incorporated into the National Expenditure Program.

Netizens’ reactions to the image, which quickly went viral, were divided. Concerns over professionalism and accountability were voiced by some, while others questioned the selfie’s timing and purpose. This was especially true given that the image surfaced during an ongoing investigation of the individuals involved in the case.

Social media users demanded clarification from the authorities, asking them to clarify whether the picture was relevant to the broader investigation or if it was just an error in judgment.

Remulla clarified that while the selfie by itself does not necessarily point to misconduct, it is being reviewed alongside with other pieces of evidence to determine whether any protocols were violated.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has yet to announce whether additional actions or charges may arise from the incident, but officials stressed that the investigation remains ongoing.

Lawmakers and legal analysts have weighed in, noting that viral content—while powerful in shaping public opinion—should be examined carefully to avoid misinformation.

Authorities are expected to release further updates as the review progresses. Meanwhile, Remulla urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow investigators to complete their work.