Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft charges against former congressman Elizaldy Co, several officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the board of directors of Sunwest Corp. The charges are linked to a PHP289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

According to Philippines News Agency, the cases were initiated following a complaint submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to the Ombudsman on September 29. The complaint was based on a comprehensive report detailing illegalities and irregularities in the procurement, construction, and implementation of projects in Region 4-B, also known as Mimaropa.

The project involved the construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, with an allocated budget of PHP289,498,230. The charges include malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents and violations of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019). Co faces additional charges under Section 3(h) of RA 3019 for receiving unwarranted financial benefits.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that due to the amount malversed exceeding PHP8.8 million, the prosecutors recommended no bail. Investigations revealed that the measured sheet pile did not meet the 12-meter specification and that substandard materials were used. It is likely that other sheet piles in the project also fell below specification.

The Ombudsman indicated that these findings suggest a scheme that led to unwarranted benefits, technical falsification, and misuse of public funds. Remulla assured the public of a firm and independent pursuit of the case, emphasizing that public funds should protect communities from flooding rather than enrich officials or contractors.

This marks the first case referred by ICI and subsequently filed in court. Remulla highlighted that this is the beginning of many cases to be filed, with several currently in preliminary investigation and fact-finding stages. Updates will be provided to the media and the public as more cases are prepared for court proceedings.