High-Profile Corruption Case Rocks Philippine Infrastructure
The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) made a significant move on Friday, November 21, 2025, by formally recommending criminal charges against two prominent former lawmakers.
Former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co now face potential plunder, graft, and bribery charges for their alleged involvement in questionable flood control projects worth approximately P100 billion.
Evidence Gathering and Official Recommendation
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, together with ICI chairperson Andres Reyes and commission member former Public Works Secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson, personally delivered boxes of evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman. The evidence collection represents one of the most substantial corruption investigations in recent years involving infrastructure projects.
Secretary Dizon emphasized the strength of their case, stating: "We would not recommend charges if we didn't see sufficient basis." This strong statement underscores the confidence investigators have in the evidence gathered against the two former congressmen.
Construction Companies and Project Allocation
The investigation revealed that the infrastructure contracts in question were awarded to Sunwest Corporation and Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp., both construction firms allegedly linked to Representative Co. According to the findings, these two companies ranked among the top 15 construction firms that secured approximately 20 percent of all flood control projects between 2022 and 2025.
The massive scale of the alleged corruption becomes clear when considering that this 20 percent allocation translated to around P100 billion in government contracts for flood control initiatives meant to protect communities across the Philippines.
Witness Testimony and Cash Deliveries
Adding weight to the recommendation is the testimony of retired Marine Orly Guteza before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Guteza, who previously served as a security aide to Co, provided startling details about his duties during that period.
The retired marine testified that one of his regular responsibilities involved delivering millions of pesos in cash contained in several suitcases to the residence of Martin Romualdez. This revelation paints a dramatic picture of the alleged money movement between the parties involved.
Unsworn Statements and Ongoing Investigations
Interestingly, the investigation team decided not to include Co's video statement targeting Romualdez, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., and several others in their formal recommendation. Secretary Dizon explained this decision was due to the statement not being a sworn testimony.
In his earlier allegations, Co had implicated President Marcos in what he described as a P100 billion insertion in the national budget. He further claimed to have personally delivered P56 billion to both Marcos and Romualdez. Dizon has since urged Co to return to the Philippines and formally swear to these claims to strengthen the case.
Both Romualdez and President Marcos have previously denied all allegations made by Co. The political implications of these charges are significant, given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.
Separate Legal Proceedings Already Underway
In a related development, the Office of the Ombudsman has already filed separate charges against Co and several DPWH-Mimaropa officials. These charges, filed before the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday, include malversation through falsification and two counts of graft.
These initial charges concern alleged irregularities in the implementation of a P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro. The board of directors of Sunwest Corporation also faces charges in this separate case, indicating a broader pattern of alleged corruption in infrastructure projects.
The recommendation to file additional charges against both former representatives marks a significant escalation in the government's anti-corruption efforts, particularly concerning high-value infrastructure projects that directly impact public safety and national development.
