Former Congressman Faces Criminal Charges Over Flood Control Project
The Office of the Ombudsman has initiated criminal proceedings against former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co and several other individuals connected to alleged anomalies in a P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro. The charges were officially filed on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, marking a significant development in the government's anti-corruption drive.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that the case includes charges of malversation through falsification and two counts of graft against Co, multiple officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Mimaropa region, and board members of Sunwest Corporation. These cases have been formally lodged with the Sandiganbayan, the country's anti-graft court.
First Case Under Marcos Investigation Order
This legal action represents the first case filed following President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s directive to investigate questionable flood control projects nationwide. The President had earlier ordered a comprehensive review of all flood control initiatives amid growing concerns about fund misuse and substandard implementation.
The investigation focused specifically on the P289-million road dike project constructed along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. According to the Ombudsman's findings, the project exhibited multiple critical deficiencies that pointed to systematic irregularities.
Substandard Materials and Technical Falsification
Clavano detailed several alarming discoveries during the investigation. "The measured sheet pile did not meet the 12-meter specification. The material was substandard," he stated. "It is highly possible that all other sheet piles used in the project were also below specification, and these findings point to a scheme that resulted in unwarranted benefits, technical falsification, and the misuse of public funds."
The Ombudsman's office has taken additional legal steps by filing a motion requesting the Sandiganbayan to immediately raffle the cases to its divisions. This procedural move would facilitate the prompt issuance of arrest warrants and hold departure orders against all accused parties.
Sunwest Corporation, the construction firm involved in the controversial project, ranks among the top 15 construction companies in the Philippines. Records show the company secured approximately 20 percent of the country's flood control projects from 2022 to 2025, equivalent to about P100 billion worth of government contracts. Co co-founded Sunwest Corporation, though his current connection to the company remains unclear.
Currently, Co is reportedly abroad in an undisclosed country. Through a series of video statements, he has consistently denied any involvement in anomalous flood control projects. In a surprising turn, he has made allegations that kickbacks from P100 billion insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act were delivered to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Marcos himself.
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings advance, with the Ombudsman emphasizing its commitment to holding all parties accountable for the proper use of public funds in infrastructure development.
