Manila: The Sandiganbayan has reaffirmed its decision to deny bail to nine co-accused individuals in a malversation case linked to a fraudulent flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The individuals are co-accused with fugitive Zaldy Co in the case concerning the alleged ghost project.

According to Philippines News Agency, the anti-graft court issued a 27-page resolution dated March 31, authored by Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez, which rejected the motion for reconsideration due to lack of merit. The motion was submitted by former employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4-B (Mimaropa): Gerald A. Pacanan, Gene Ryan A. Altea, Ruben D. Santos, Dominic G. Serrano, Juliet C. Calvo, Dennis P. Abagon, Montrexis T. Tamayo, Lerma D. Cayco, and Felizardo S. Casuno.

These nine individuals, alongside Co, are implicated in charges of malversation through falsification involving contractor Sunwest Inc. Their involvement includes signing off on vouchers and inspection reports for the project, which later revealed non-compliance with the required length for steel sheet piles (SSP). The accused sought bail, arguing that they were merely performing their duties by approving inspection reports and processing voucher disbursements.

The Sandiganbayan stated, "The rest of the accused's arguments are merely a substantial reiteration or rehash of their previous arguments in their respective memoranda. The Court had already addressed them in the assailed resolution or considered the same, and found them to be without merit. It is unnecessary to discuss them anew."