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Graft Probe Hits Oriental Mindoro Flood Project: Ex-Party-List Rep, DPWH Officials Implicated
Photo credit: Office of the Ombudsman
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has turned over an initial, hard-hitting report to the Office of the Ombudsman, zeroing in on an allegedly anomalous PHP289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The report, submitted on Monday, suggests that serious charges may be warranted against several individuals, including a former party-list representative.
Focus on Substandard Dike Piles
The core of the issue, according to the ICI's 32-page interim report, lies with the dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River. The Commission observed a glaring discrepancy: the installed steel sheet piles were reportedly only 2.5 to 3 meters long. This is a far cry from the 12-meter piles mandated by the contract's Detailed Engineering Design.
If this shortfall is pervasive across the entire project, the ICI estimates that the public could be facing losses exceeding PHP63 million—a significant waste of taxpayer money.
Charges and Implicated Officials
Based on its findings, the ICI is recommending the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges.
Named in the recommendation is resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, along with 13 officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Co's inclusion is due to the alleged receipt of unwarranted benefits in relation to construction projects tied to the government contractor, Sunwest Inc., a firm with reported historical links to the former legislator. While Co insists he divested his interests, reports suggest he might still hold a beneficial ownership stake. The ICI acknowledges that more evidence is needed to cement this connection.
Deficiencies in Documentation
The probe didn't just stop at the physical construction; it also flagged major issues with the paperwork. The ICI noted apparent deficiencies in the documentation supporting project billings.
"Several payments were approved despite missing records," the ICI stated, adding that in some cases, identical photographs were reused to justify separate billings. These irregularities, the Commission suggested, raise serious questions about the verification process and the certifications by DPWH officials attesting to the project's compliance and workmanship.
Next Steps and Urging Accountability
The ICI was careful to emphasize that its findings are preliminary and that it has not made any categorical findings of guilt. The interim report is meant to assist the Ombudsman in determining if violations under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Revised Penal Code's Malversation and Falsification provisions, and other laws might exist. The Commission plans to submit further evidence within 15 days.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has publicly urged Zaldy Co to face the music and directly address the allegations. This development underscores the government's push for accountability in infrastructure projects and its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public funds.
Focus on Substandard Dike Piles
The core of the issue, according to the ICI's 32-page interim report, lies with the dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River. The Commission observed a glaring discrepancy: the installed steel sheet piles were reportedly only 2.5 to 3 meters long. This is a far cry from the 12-meter piles mandated by the contract's Detailed Engineering Design.
If this shortfall is pervasive across the entire project, the ICI estimates that the public could be facing losses exceeding PHP63 million—a significant waste of taxpayer money.
Charges and Implicated Officials
Based on its findings, the ICI is recommending the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges.
Named in the recommendation is resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, along with 13 officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Co's inclusion is due to the alleged receipt of unwarranted benefits in relation to construction projects tied to the government contractor, Sunwest Inc., a firm with reported historical links to the former legislator. While Co insists he divested his interests, reports suggest he might still hold a beneficial ownership stake. The ICI acknowledges that more evidence is needed to cement this connection.
Deficiencies in Documentation
The probe didn't just stop at the physical construction; it also flagged major issues with the paperwork. The ICI noted apparent deficiencies in the documentation supporting project billings.
"Several payments were approved despite missing records," the ICI stated, adding that in some cases, identical photographs were reused to justify separate billings. These irregularities, the Commission suggested, raise serious questions about the verification process and the certifications by DPWH officials attesting to the project's compliance and workmanship.
Next Steps and Urging Accountability
The ICI was careful to emphasize that its findings are preliminary and that it has not made any categorical findings of guilt. The interim report is meant to assist the Ombudsman in determining if violations under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Revised Penal Code's Malversation and Falsification provisions, and other laws might exist. The Commission plans to submit further evidence within 15 days.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has publicly urged Zaldy Co to face the music and directly address the allegations. This development underscores the government's push for accountability in infrastructure projects and its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public funds.
Sep 30, 2025
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