The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file graft and corruption charges against former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co over alleged anomalies in flood control projects. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Boying Remulla confirmed that several criminal cases are set to be filed before the Sandiganbayan within 30 days, with Co among the officials expected to face prosecution.
The controversy revolves around a ₱289.5 million flood control project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), formed by Malacañang to audit public works, discovered major irregularities that included incomplete and substandard construction, falsified accomplishment reports, and payments made for phases of the project that were never finished. The ICI’s audit also found that several documents appeared to have been backdated to justify fund releases, prompting the commission to recommend graft, malversation, and falsification charges against Co and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The ICI identified Sunwest Construction and Development Corp. as the project’s contractor. The company has long been associated with Co, raising conflict-of-interest concerns. Investigators also uncovered alleged budget insertions and kickbacks linked to other flood control allocations in Bulacan, broadening the investigation into multiple DPWH-funded projects.
During Senate budget deliberations for the Ombudsman’s 2026 funding, Remulla said several current and former lawmakers were implicated in similar cases. He confirmed that Co’s name surfaced prominently in the Mindoro investigation. A subpoena has been issued to Co and 17 others, directing them to file counter-affidavits within 10 days.
Co, who resigned from Congress earlier this year amid the controversy, has denied all allegations. He maintains that the projects underwent proper bidding and complied with government procedures. As of October 24, 2025, the Ombudsman said it is finalizing documents before formally submitting them to the anti-graft court.
If the case proceeds, it could become one of the most high-profile corruption prosecutions under the Marcos administration, testing the government’s resolve to pursue accountability among politically influential figures.
