The Sandiganbayan will begin the trial of the corruption case against former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co on January 20, with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirming he will take the witness stand as the complainant.
“On January 20, ako’y magtetestigo sa Sandiganbayan sa trial ni former Congressman Zaldy Co. We will give you updates doon sa aking sworn testimony sa kasong ‘yan,’” Dizon said during a press conference on Monday.
Dizon said his appearance in court will extend beyond a single case, as he is also set to testify in several related proceedings in the coming weeks and months.
“At siyempre dahil ako ang complainant sa marami sa mga kasong ito, makikita niyo akong magtetestigo sa maraming mga kaso sa mga susunod na linggo, susunod na buwang patuloy nitong proseso nating pananagot ng mga dapat managot,” he added.
The charges stem from alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects.
Arrest warrants have already been issued against Co, several public works officials, and executives of Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation.
In November, the Office of the Ombudsman filed criminal charges over a supposedly anomalous ₱289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, allegations that Co has denied.