The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended the filing of cases against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over an allegedly questionable ₱289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
According to the ICI, the project used only 2.5 to 3-meter sheet piles instead of the 12-meter steel piles required under the contract.
“Ito po ay kauna-unahang pagfa-file po at pagsa-submit ng rekomendasyon ng ICI sa Ombudsman,” said Atty. Brian Hosaka, Executive Director of ICI.
The commission assured the public that more cases are forthcoming: “Marami pa pong darating. Magsusumikap po ang ICI para po mapabilis ang proseso na hindi magsasakripisyo sa quality ng aming trabaho dahil kailangan po namin maging masinop.”
The ICI identified Sunwest Inc.—a company formerly owned by Co—as the contractor of the project.
“Dahil po dito ay nag-rekomenda po ang ICI sa Ombudsman na ipagpatuloy po nila ang kanilang imbestigasyon dito po sa proyektong ito,” Hosaka added.
The recommended charges include violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation of Public Funds, Falsification of Public Documents by a Public Officer, and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
Aside from Co, the ICI also recommended charges against DPWH Region IV-B Regional Director Gerald Pacanan and 15 officials of Sunwest Inc.