Zaldy Co likely in first Sandiganbayan flood cases

Former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co is among the congressmen likely included in the first batch of flood control cases to be filed in the Sandiganbayan, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.

During a Senate interview, Remulla said cases linked to flood control issues are expected to be filed in the next 30 days, and congressmen are included.

“Zaldy Co is probably included because as far as I remember, the Mindoro case was among the cases filed,” Remulla said in Filipino.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure submitted reports noting P289.5 million worth of flood control projects in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro in 2024. These projects were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4-B through private contractor Sunwest Inc., a company linked to Co.

The ICI recommended that the Office of the Ombudsman consider filing graft, malversation, and falsification charges against Co and other DPWH officials.

Co is currently out of the country. Remulla said that once the cases are filed, a request to suspend the former congressman’s passport will be made. Suspension orders are also being prepared for other individuals involved.

“That is included, and what is more important here are the freeze orders that must really be implemented against these people,” Remulla said in Filipino.

“In the coming days, I will be signing lots of suspension orders or I will have my colleagues sign them, so that the corrupt officials involved in this flood control mess in various provinces will be suspended,” he added.