ICI subpoenas Zaldy Co, invites Martin Romualdez to flood control probe

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has issued a subpoena to former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, requiring his appearance in its investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

Co was ordered to appear before the commission on Tuesday, October 14. He has been reported to be out of the country.

The ICI also requested the appearance of Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez and Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman at the said hearing.

The resigned congressman was required to testify regarding his personal knowledge of budget insertions and flood control projects, which he had previously chaired in the House committee on appropriations.

The ICI also directed him to bring contracts, records, and other documents.

In a statement, Romualdez's office said it has received the invitation of the ICI.

It said the former Speaker was prepared to appear before the commission.

In September, Co resigned as a member of the House of Representatives, citing "real, direct, grave and imminent threat" to him and his family as well as the "evident denial" of his rights to due process.

Incoming Ombudsman and outgoing Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla previously said Co was in Spain.

Remulla has said that he does not expect Co to return to the country and that continuous refusal to do so will turn the former congressman into a "fugitive" from justice.

The ICI has recommended the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges with the Ombudsman against 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.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also recommended the prosecution of Co and other senators with the Department of Justice. —VDV, GMA Integrated News