Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has confirmed that contracts awarded to firms linked to former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co surged significantly during the leadership of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In a recent interview, Dizon discussed how this rise in contracts could be used as critical evidence in ongoing investigations into the ₱289.5-million flood-control scandal in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Dizon emphasized that the increase in contracts for Co’s linked companies, particularly during Co’s tenure as chair of the House Appropriations Committee, was striking. “Lumobo po. In fact, doon po sa aming pagbibilang, halos nag-times three po ito,” Dizon said, referring to the sharp uptick in the number of contracts awarded. He implied that such significant growth in these contracts may not have happened without Romualdez’s role in rubber-stamping Co’s deals.
The scandal centers on a substandard flood-control project awarded to Sunwest Construction, a firm allegedly connected to Co. The project, located along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, has been flagged for irregularities, prompting charges of graft, malversation, and falsification.
Dizon linked the rise in Sunwest’s projects directly to Romualdez’s leadership, suggesting that without his support, these contracts would not have been so easily approved.
“Dizon said they had established this link when they referred their information and findings to the Ombudsman,” noting that DPWH had recommended plunder, graft, and bribery charges against Romualdez in relation to the increased contracts. “Hindi magiging appropriations chairman si former congressman Zaldy Co kung wala pong bendisyon ng Speaker of the House,” Dizon explained.
Dizon also referred to other projects linked to Co and his firm, Sunwest Construction, including contracts in Romualdez’s own district in Leyte. He urged the Ombudsman to investigate potential bid-rigging and other irregularities tied to these projects.
“Malalaman po ‘yan kapag nakita na po natin ‘yung project mismo, ‘yung pagbabayad sa project, at pagtingin din po sa proseso ng pag-award sa Sunwest,” Dizon added, stressing that further scrutiny of these projects would expose the full scope of the corruption.
As the investigation into Co and the broader flood-control scandal continues, more arrest warrants are expected, and authorities are tightening their grip on the accused.
The mounting evidence and Dizon’s revelations signal the growing legal pressure surrounding Co and his political connections. With each new development, Co’s ability to evade justice appears to be diminishing, and the full extent of the corruption linked to his companies is beginning to unfold.
