Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Ched Rick Gatchalian

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA <strong>(2nd UPDATE)</strong> – The Office of the Ombudsman has issued a resolution finding probable cause to file criminal cases against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and several others involved in an allegedly spurious flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Tuesday.</p><p>Clavano said criminal information has been filed in the Sandiganbayan against Co, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in Region 4-B, and board directors of Sunwest Corp. as private respondents.</p><p>The DPWH-Region 4B officials include regional directors, assistant regional directors, project engineer, materials engineer, and chiefs of the quality assurance, as well as maintenance and design division.</p><p>The charges are malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents, violation of Section 3E of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and for Co specifically –  violation of Sec. 3H of RA 3019.</p><p>&quot;The complaint was filed by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure on September 29, 2025. Based on their comprehensive report, on illegalities and irregularities in the procurement, construction and implementation of projects in Region 4B,&quot; Clavano said.</p><p>The alleged irregularities were found in the road dike project at the Mag-asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, according to the Ombudsman.</p><p>Clavano said the findings point to a scheme that &quot;resulted into unwarranted benefits, technical falsification, and the misuse of public funds&quot;.</p><p>&quot;If you will remember on September 9, 2025, an inspection was conducted by [DPWH] Secretary Vince Dizon and [Oriental Mindoro] Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor. During this inspection, they discovered that the steel sheet piles used for the dike were grossly below the required standards,&quot; he explained.</p><p>He said the measured sheet piles did not meet the 12 meter specification stated in the detailed engineering design, the materials used were substandard, and it is possible that the rest of the sheet piles did not follow the necessary specifications as well.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>NO BAIL</strong></div><p>The Ombudsman also said its prosecutors recommended no bail for the malversation charge.</p><p>&quot;On the bail recommendation, because the amount malversed exceeds 8.8 million, in line with the law and jurisprudence, the panel of the Ombudsman prosecutors has recommended no bail for the malversation charge,&quot; Clavano said.</p><p>Malversation is a crime committed by a public officer who benefits from or misappropriates public funds.</p><p>&quot;The Office of the Ombudsman assures the Filipino people that we will pursue this case firmly, independently and without fear or favor. Public funds were meant to protect communities from flooding, not to enrich officials or private contractors,&quot; Clavano said.</p><p>He stressed that those responsible will be held into account.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;FIRST OF MANY CASES&#x27;</strong></div><p>The graft and malversation cases against Co and other officials consist the first batch of cases referred by the ICI.</p><p>The case is also the first one to be filed in court.</p><p>Clavano explained that the Ombudsman is preparing many other cases it has yet to announce.</p><p>&quot;There are several cases in the preliminary investigation stage and many more in the fact finding stage. We will update the media and the public as these cases become ripe for filing cases as well,&quot; he said.</p><p>Clavano added he will give the categorization details of the said cases on Wednesday.</p><p>The Office of the Ombudsman earlier urged Co to come back to the Philippines and present evidence instead of releasing video statements not made under oath.</p><p>It can be recalled that Co accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former House speaker Martin Romualdez, and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of being involved in P100B worth of budget insertions.</p><p>Co also called on the Ombudsman to investigate Marcos and Romualdez over the matter. <strong>-- with a report from Agatha Gregorio, ABS-CBN News</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EBzMIRkTSew??si=mhbt-xhbhVemjbNW&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div>

<p>The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file criminal cases against former congressman Zaldy Co and several others involved in an allegedly spurious flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.</p>

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file criminal cases against former congressman Zaldy Co and several others involved in an allegedly spurious flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Ombudsman files raps vs Zaldy Co, others in Oriental Mindoro flood control project

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

Ombudsman files raps vs Zaldy Co, others in Oriental Mindoro flood control project

Jojo Pasion Malig,

Ched Rick Gatchalian,

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 18, 2025 04:23 PM PHT

|

Updated Nov 18, 2025 05:15 PM PHT

Read More:

ABSnews

Zaldy Co

flood control scam

DPWH

Ombudsman

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.