ICI recommends filing of criminal, administrative charges vs Zaldy Co, Sunwest officials
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges to the Ombudsman against ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Sunwest Inc., and Department of Public Works and Highways officials over anomalous flood control projects.
ICI executive director Brian Hosaka said that it has submitted its interim report to the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the infrastructure projects in Oriental Mindoro.
The body recommended the filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges against Co and others, specifically those coming from his firm Sunwest Inc. and DPWH officials regarding their alleged involvement in the P289.5 million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The Commission also noted irregularities in documentation supporting progress billings.
“Several payments were approved despite missing records and, in some instances, identical photographs were reused to justify separate billings,” the ICI said, per a report by the Philippine News Agency.
“These circumstances may indicate lapses in project verification. Certifications by DPWH officials attesting to compliance with specifications and workmanship thus appear questionable and require further investigation.”
Meanwhile, the recommended administrative charges include violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, as well as possible breaches of Civil Service Rules and Regulations, per a News5 report.
Co was named for alleged "receipt of unwarranted benefits in relation to construction projects" of government contractor firm Sunwest Inc.—among the top fifteen contractors that received P100 billion of the P545-billion budget for flood control projects.
He is among the big names being linked to corruption on flood control projects. He has since denied the allegations, calling them "false, baseless, and politically charged statements" which was made in hearings on anomalous flood control projects at the Senate and the House of Representatives. He also accused the media of condemning him "in the court of public opinion and having stirred public hatred" against him and his family.
The ICI had earlier issued a subpoena for Co to attend the hearing on the probe into the flood control projects.
