NATION

Dizon testifies in graft trial over P289.5-M Mindoro dike project

Jerod Orcullo · Sep 24, 2026, 3:53 AM

PUBLIC Works Secretary Vince Dizon testifies before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division in Quezon City in connection with graft charges against former Representative Zaldy Co and former regional officials over a P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. — Photograph courtesy of Department of Public Works and Highways

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon testified before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, stating prosecutors hold strong evidence in a graft case involving former congressman Zaldy Co and former Mimaropa regional public works officials.

The case centers on a P289.5- million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Dizon recalled a 9 September 2025, site inspection where he observed structural erosion caused by substandard construction.

Dizon testified that the project utilized three-meter sheet piles despite contract specifications requiring a length of 12 meters, concluding that contractor Sunwest Inc. built a substandard foundation.

State investigators previously identified Co as a co-founder and beneficial owner of Sunwest while serving as a member of the House of Representatives.

The DPWH chief dismissed arguments that the contractor should be allowed to rectify the work, stating the defect would require full demolition of the existing structure.

His appearance marked his second testimony against Co, following a separate malversation trial appearance in January. State prosecutors named former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo as their next scheduled witness.

Separately, Dizon announced plans for new flood control developments in Bulacan and Pampanga set to begin implementation next year.

Speaking at a media briefing, Dizon said construction on detention basins could begin as early as January, while plans for an earth dike developed with foreign technical advisors are expected to advance by the second quarter.

The initiative will target low-lying coastal communities including Hagonoy, Obando, and Malolos in Bulacan, alongside Macabebe, Masantol and Sasmuan in Pampanga.

Dizon explained that the agency is moving away from standard concrete designs used in Metro Manila, favoring a hybrid strategy combining earth dikes, detention basins, bamboo cribs, dredged river materials, and mangrove restoration.