After a two-month investigation into anomalous flood control projects, former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co became the first personality to face charges at the Sandiganbayan.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced on Tuesday that criminal informations had been officially filed against Co, several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in Region IV-B — including the regional director, assistant director, project engineer, material engineer, and the chiefs of the quality assurance, maintenance and design divisions —as well as the directors of Sunwest Corporation, a construction firm linked to Co.

The respondents face multiple charges, including malversation of public funds through falsification of documents, graft and corruption, and, for Co, receiving unwarranted financial benefits.

“After two months of investigation, reviewing evidence, and hearing witness testimonies, the Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file criminal charges in connection with serious irregularities in a major flood control project in Oriental Mindoro,” Clavano said.

Because the alleged malversed amount exceeded P8.8 million, the Ombudsman recommended no bail for the accused, in accordance with the law and established jurisprudence.

The complaint was filed by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on 29 September, following its report detailing illegalities in the procurement, construction, and implementation of projects in Region IV-B.

The project in question was the substandard road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, that was awarded to Sunwest Corporation for a total budget of P289.5 million.

Inspection by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and Governor Bonz Dolor in September revealed that the steel sheet piles used in the dike were below standard.

Clavano emphasized that this is just the first case referred by ICI and the first of many that will be filed in court.

“The Office of the Ombudsman assures the Filipino people that we will pursue this case firmly, independently, and without fear or favor. Public funds are meant to protect communities from flooding — not to enrich officials or private contractors. Those responsible will be held to account,” he stressed.