DOJ reviewing plunder, malversation complaints vs Co, Revilla

The Department of Justice on Thursday said resolutions on the plunder complaint against former Ako Bicol Party-List Representative Zaldy Co and the malversation complaint against former Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. are currently under review.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano Martinez said the draft resolutions are being evaluated at the division level.

“The resolutions for Zaldy Co’s plunder case and Revilla’s malversation case are currently under review with the division chief,” Martinez said.

He earlier explained that a resolution under review means authorities are determining whether the recommendation, either to dismiss the complaint or to file charges in court, is correct.

Once signed by the division chief, the resolution will be forwarded to the prosecutor general for final review. If revisions are required, the draft will be sent back to the handling panel of prosecutors.

Co is facing complaints for plunder, violation of Section 3(b) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

His co-accused include former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, both identified as state witnesses in the flood control controversy.

Martinez said Co did not submit a counter-affidavit.

“The resolution will be entirely on the evidence submitted by the NBI and the other respondents,” he said.

Meanwhile, the complaint against Revilla involves a flood control project. His camp has described the allegations as based on “incredible and incompetent” evidence.

Revilla filed his counter-affidavit on 5 January, and the complaint was submitted for resolution on 12 January.