The Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday filed graft charges against former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, several Department of Public Works and Highways officials, and the board of Sunwest Corp. over an alleged P289-million flood control scam in Oriental Mindoro.
The charges stemmed from a complaint submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) last Sept. 29, following its report detailing irregularities in the procurement, construction, and implementation of multiple projects in Mimaropa.
The case involves a P289.5-million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan.
Prosecutors filed complaints for malversation of public funds through falsification, and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Co also faces an additional charge under Section 3(h) for allegedly receiving unwarranted financial benefits.
“With the amount malversed exceeding ₱8.8 million, the panel has recommended no bail,” Ombudsman Crispin Remulla said.
Investigators found that the sheet piles used in the project did not meet the required 12-meter specification and were made of substandard materials—raising the likelihood that the entire project was compromised.
“These findings reveal a scheme that allowed unwarranted benefits, technical falsification, and the misuse of public funds,” the Ombudsman said, vowing a firm and impartial prosecution.
He added that this is only the first of many ICI-referred cases now moving toward filing. More cases remain in preliminary investigation and fact-finding stages.
