NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Remulla, Zaldy Co Legal Clash At Supreme Court Over Flood Control Charges
FILE
MANILA — The Supreme Court of the Philippines on February 11, 2026, heard a petition by former Ako Bicol Party‑List Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co challenging the decision of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla that led to criminal charges over an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Co filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition, claiming the Office of the Ombudsman committed “grave abuse of discretion” when it issued a resolution finding probable cause to charge him with violations of the Anti‑Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and malversation of public funds through falsification of documents in connection with a P289.5‑million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The Supreme Court, acting En Banc, directed the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to submit their comments within 10 days, including on Co’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt Sandiganbayan proceedings. At this stage, no TRO has been issued.
Background of the Case
The legal dispute stems from graft and malversation charges filed against Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, related to allegations that the flood control project was substandard or poorly implemented.
In a related development, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division declared Co a fugitive from justice, noting that he left the Philippines in 2025 and has not returned. This designation prevents him from seeking judicial relief or participating in court proceedings until he surrenders.
Ombudsman Response
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the Ombudsman is preparing its counterarguments in response to the Supreme Court’s order. “We are ready with our counter arguments to be put in the comment. The sooner we resolve this, the better,” he said.
Implications
Co’s petition raises questions about due process rights, jurisdictional limits on judicial relief for fugitives, and the handling of anti‑corruption proceedings. Legal analysts and political observers are closely watching the case, which highlights ongoing scrutiny over alleged anomalies and misuse of public funds in government infrastructure projects.
Co filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition, claiming the Office of the Ombudsman committed “grave abuse of discretion” when it issued a resolution finding probable cause to charge him with violations of the Anti‑Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and malversation of public funds through falsification of documents in connection with a P289.5‑million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The Supreme Court, acting En Banc, directed the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to submit their comments within 10 days, including on Co’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt Sandiganbayan proceedings. At this stage, no TRO has been issued.
Background of the Case
The legal dispute stems from graft and malversation charges filed against Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, related to allegations that the flood control project was substandard or poorly implemented.
In a related development, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division declared Co a fugitive from justice, noting that he left the Philippines in 2025 and has not returned. This designation prevents him from seeking judicial relief or participating in court proceedings until he surrenders.
Ombudsman Response
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the Ombudsman is preparing its counterarguments in response to the Supreme Court’s order. “We are ready with our counter arguments to be put in the comment. The sooner we resolve this, the better,” he said.
Implications
Co’s petition raises questions about due process rights, jurisdictional limits on judicial relief for fugitives, and the handling of anti‑corruption proceedings. Legal analysts and political observers are closely watching the case, which highlights ongoing scrutiny over alleged anomalies and misuse of public funds in government infrastructure projects.
Feb 13, 2026
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