The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formally endorsed a case to the Office of the Ombudsman involving House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Rep. Zaldy Co, and several private individuals linked to Sunwest and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation.
The referral, received on November 21, 2025, urges the Ombudsman to investigate potential violations of plunder, graft, and direct bribery laws connected to public works projects.
In the document, the DPWH emphasized its mandate under Executive Order No. 292 and the Administrative Code, noting its responsibility to ensure that public infrastructure projects comply with national development objectives. Given this mandate, the agency stated that complaints alleging illegal or improper actions by public officials fall squarely under the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.
Citing Article XI, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act No. 6770, the DPWH stressed that the Ombudsman is empowered to investigate any act or omission by public officials that appears unjust, improper, or inefficient.
The document recounts that following the 2022 national elections, Romualdez was elected Representative of Leyte’s 1st District and later became Speaker of the House of Representatives, while Zaldy Co, who won as representative of the AKO Bicol Party-list, assumed the chairmanship of the House Committee on Appropriations.
Their positions, according to the referral, place them in roles with substantial authority over national funding and project allocations.
The DPWH detailed the legal elements of Section 3(b) of Republic Act 3019, which penalizes public officers who request or receive gifts, shares, or benefits in connection with any government contract or transaction. The referral states that the allegations suggest the possible involvement of the lawmakers and connected private parties in activities that may fall under this provision.
It further outlines that these actions may constitute violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Plunder Law under Republic Act 7080, and Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code concerning direct bribery.
The agency recommended that the Ombudsman conduct a full investigation into Romualdez, Co, the Board of Directors of Sunwest Inc. (formerly Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation), and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation. The DPWH clarified that its findings are preliminary and do not rule out the possibility of uncovering additional individuals or further evidence as the Ombudsman proceeds with its evaluation.
The case now moves to the Office of the Ombudsman, which will determine whether administrative, civil, or criminal charges should be pursued based on the allegations and supporting documents submitted.
