The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has scheduled the trial of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and 15 other co-accused in the alleged substandard ₱289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on March 3.
In its February 10 order released on February 16, the court noted that hearings on the bail petitions filed by nine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials had concluded after the prosecution declared it had no more testimonial evidence to present.
The court directed the prosecution to submit its Formal Offer of Documentary Evidence within two days, with the defense given two days to respond.
After resolution, both parties will have three days to file memoranda before the bail petition is deemed submitted for resolution.
The case will then proceed to the presentation of prosecution evidence on March 3 and 5, 2026, and every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter at 8:30 a.m.
Respondents who filed bail petitions include:
- Gerald Pacanan, former DPWH Region IV-B Regional Director
- Gene Ryan Altea, former Assistant Regional Director
- Montrexis Tamayo, Planning and Design Division Chief
- Juliet Calvo, Maintenance Division Chief
- Dominic Serrano, Construction Division Chief
- Dennis Abagon, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division OIC
- Lerma Cayco, Accountant IV
- Felisardo Casuno, Project Engineer
- Ruben Santos Jr., Assistant Regional Director
During bail hearings, COA Region IV-B auditor Victoriano Acosta testified that the Commission on Audit issued a notice of disallowance worth ₱84 million out of the ₱289 million budget, citing that the project was “constructed not in accordance with plans and specifications.”
Defense counsels countered that the notice of disallowance is appealable and not a final finding, a point Acosta acknowledged.
The trial will now move forward with the prosecution’s presentation of evidence in chief.