Zaldy Co first to face Sandiganbayan raps over P289-M flood control project

After two months of investigation into the flood control controversy, former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co has become the first respondent to face charges before the Sandiganbayan.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced on Tuesday that criminal informations were filed in the afternoon against Co, several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region IV-B — including the Regional Director, Assistant Director, Project Engineer, Materials Engineer, and the chiefs of the Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Design Divisions.

Private respondents were also named in the case, including the Board of Directors of Sunwest Corporation, the construction company linked to Co.

According to Clavano, the respondents may face multiple charges, including malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents, graft and corruption, and — in Co’s case — alleged receipt of “unwarranted financial or pecuniary benefits.”

“After 2 months of investigation, gathering evidence, sifting through testimonies of witnesses, the Office of the Ombudsman announces today that we have issued a resolution finding probable cause to file criminal charges in connection with serious irregularities in a major flood control project in Oriental Mindoro,” AO Clavano said.

Because the alleged amount of malversed public funds is over ₱8.8 million, the Ombudsman has recommended no bail for the malversation charge, citing prevailing law and jurisprudence.

The complaint stemmed from the findings of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which filed its case on 29 September. The report cited illegalities and irregularities in the procurement, construction, and implementation of infrastructure projects in Region IV-B.

The questioned project involves a substandard road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, awarded to Sunwest Corporation with a total project cost of P289,498,230.06.

In September, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and Governor Bonz Dolor inspected the site and found that the steel sheet piles used for the dike were below standard.

Clavano said this filing marks the first of many cases endorsed by the ICI that are expected to reach the courts.

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