Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon testified before the Sandiganbayan in the graft case against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co over irregularities in a defective ₱289.5-million flood-control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Dizon appeared before the anti‑graft court’s Fifth Division on Wednesday, testifying about the road dike built along the Mag‑Asawang Tubig River. The case stemmed from findings that the project used materials far below approved specifications, including steel sheet piles much shorter than required.
During an interview after his testimony, Dizon said he personally inspected the project site and found that three-meter sheet piles were used despite the project requirement for 12-meter sheet piles.
“Pagdating ko nga doon, kitang-kita na talagang substandard ‘yung proyekto. So para sa akin, klarong-klaro ito,” Dizon said.
He added that correcting the issue would require dismantling the existing structure because the installed materials could not simply be replaced.
“Imposible talaga kasi para palitan nila lahat ng sheet pile na three meters at gawing 12, gigibain ‘yung buong structure na nagawa nila,” he said.
Dizon also said portions of the project had already eroded after rainfall, which he attributed to the alleged problems with the project’s foundation.
“Pag talaga substandard ‘yung pundasyon, eh talagang ‘yun ang mangyayari. So para sa’kin klarong-klaro ‘yung ebidensya sa kaso na ‘to,” he said.
The testimony came as Co faces multiple cases tied to flood‑control irregularities. Co, along with disgraced former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, has been named in a separate ₱7.44‑billion plunder complaint from the Ombudsman over kickbacks from infrastructure projects. Romualdez is already jailed, while Co remains abroad.
