ICI recommends charges against Zaldy Co, seven others

Another referral will be filed by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) against resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and seven other lawmakers with the Office of the Ombudsman over 1,300 infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024.

ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr., in a briefing, said Co and seven other solons appear to have violated the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, among others.

“These so-called congressmen-contractors are those members of Congress or their partners or family members who own construction firms that receive project awards or obtain contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” Reyes said.

Reyes said that aside from Co, other respondents are four district representatives and three party-list lawmakers. They are: Rep. Augustina Dominique Pancho, Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Joseph Lara, Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Francisco Matugas, Surigao Del Norte 1st District Rep. Noel Rivera, Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Edwin Gardiola, CWS party-list Rep. James Ang Jr., Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay, and Pusong Pinoy party-list.

Based on pieces of evidence gathered, the respondents appear to have committed violations of the law, Reyes said.

“Members of Congress are barred from having a financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any government contract, franchise, or special privilege during their term of office,” the ICI chairperson said.

Reyes also said these lawmakers are prohibited from intervening in government matters for their own personal gain or where their office could influence the outcome.

The public was told by Reyes to expect more names to come out in the following weeks.