ICI recommends filing of charges vs Zaldy Co, DPWH Region IV-B execs

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure on Monday filed its initial referral before the Ombudsman in relation to the alleged irregularities in the anomalous flood control projects. 

According to executive director Brian Keith Hosaka, the ICI submitted its interim report to the Office of the Ombudsman, recommending the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges against Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and other Department of Public Works and Highways officials over their alleged links to the P289.5 million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Hosaka said the DPWH Region IV-B implemented the flood management project through contractor Sunwest Inc., which has historical links to Co. Other DPWH officials included in the referral were MIMAROPA Regional Director Engr. Gerald Pacanan, Assistant Regional Directors Gene Ryan Altea, and Ruben Santos Jr., and ten others, Super Radyo dzBB's Glenn Juego reported. 

In a separate statement, Hosaka explained that based on the DPWH documents and inspection, the government lost an estimated P63 million over the project due to materials being substandard and unaligned to required specifications.

The steel sheet piles installed for the road dike measured only about 2.5 to 3 meters despite the contract’s Detailed Engineering Design requiring 12-meter piles.

The ICI also noted apparent deficiencies in documentation supporting progress billings, with several payments approved despite missing records and, in some instances, identical photographs were reused to justify separate billings. 

“These circumstances may indicate lapses in project verification. Certifications by DPWH officials attesting to compliance with specifications and workmanship thus appear questionable and require further investigation,” it said. 

The ICI also said that while Co had divested his interests, “reports suggest he may potentially retain beneficial ownership. The Commission underscores that additional evidence is needed to establish any definitive connection.”

“At this stage, the findings remain preliminary. The ICI has recommended that the Ombudsman evaluate whether potential violations may exist under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation and Falsification provisions of the Revised Penal Code, the Government Procurement Reform Act, and the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees,” it said. 

“The Commission will be submitting further evidence, within 15 days. It emphasizes that it does not make categorical findings of guilt, and that responsibility for determining liability rests with the proper authorities. This interim report is intended to assist in ensuring accountability in infrastructure projects and in protecting the integrity of public funds,” it added. 

Co previously denied allegations against him in connection with the flood control mess.

Earlier in the day, Hosaka said the ICI will ensure that the case that will be filed against those involved in the anomalous flood control projects will be airtight.

Over the weekend, he said the ICI hearings will not be livestreamed to avoid ‘trial by publicity’ and any political influence. 

The ICI is mandated to investigate alleged anomalous infrastructure projects and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.

The commission is chaired by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. with former Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson and SGV Country Managing Partner at SGV Rossana Fajardo as members. —Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News