Zaldy Co, DPWH officials charged

Palace assures protection for resigned solon if he returns home

- By JEFFREY DAMICOG and BETHEENA UNITE

Directors of Sunwest Corporation, led by resigned congressman Zaldy Co, and several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region IV-B were charged before the Sandiganbayan over the P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

These are the first cases filed in court against DPWH officials and private contractors since the government started its investigations two months ago on the multi-billion-peso anomalous flood control projects in the country.

Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic F. Clavano said that those charged, aside from Co, were DPWH Region IV-B Regional Director Gerald A. Pacanan III, Assistant Regional Director Gene Ryan A. Altea, Assistant Regional Director Ruben C. Santos Jr., Project Engineer III Felisardo S.

Casuno, Materials Engineer Timojen A. Sacar, and Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division OIC-Chief, Accountant IV Lerma D. Cayco, Planning and Design Division OIC-Chief Montrexis T. Tamayo, and Maintenance Division Chief Juliet C. Calvo.

Also charged were the board of directors of Sunwest Corporation that has been linked to Co.

No bail was recommended for their provisional liberty.

Clavano said all the accused were charged with malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents under Article 217 in relation to Article 171(4) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

He added Co was also charged with violation of Section 3(h) of RA 3019 for allegedly receiving unwarranted financial or pecuniary benefits.

"Because the amount malversed exceeds P8.8 million, and in line with the law and jurisprudence, the panel of the Ombudsman has recommended no bail for the malversation charge," he also said.

Clavano assured the public that "we will pursue this case firmly, independently, and without fear or favor."