Ombudsman files graft and malversation raps vs Zaldy Co, DPWH officials
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation cases against former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co, several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 4-B, and executives of Sunwest Inc. over the P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano told the reporters on Tuesday, Nov. 18, that the complaint has been filed in the Sandiganbayan. The criminal charges were in connection with anomalies in a P289 million flood control project along Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Clavano stated that the projects included elements that are "grossly below the required standards" and had substandard materials.
The charges involve malversation of public funds through the falsification of public documents, violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and a co-violation of Section 3(h) of RA 3019.
Clavano said that the complaint was filed by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure on Sept. 29.
The filing of charges, which Clavano said is the "first of many cases," was received by Sandiganbayan on Nov. 18.
He added that the Ombudsman has filed a motion for urgent referral of the cases and the immediate issuance of a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order.
Since the malversed amount is over P8.8 million, the Ombudsman prosecutors’ panel, according to Clavano, has recommended that no bail be granted for the malversation charge.
"The Office of the Ombudsman assures the Filipino people that we will pursue this case firmly, independently, and without fear or favor," he said.
This came after Co finally spoke up regarding corruption allegations via a video series posted on his Facebook page.
