By RealFeed Staff
MANILA, Philippines — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday named resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, former Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara, and several others as among those who will be held accountable in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) ongoing flood control corruption probe.
Speaking to reporters, Dizon said the agency is working closely with the Office of the Ombudsman to fast-track accountability in alleged “ghost” and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro.
“The ones who will be held accountable and imprisoned—that will be the first cases filed with the Ombudsman,” Dizon said in Filipino.
He confirmed that the first two cases — both non-bailable — have already been filed before the Ombudsman. The cases involve projects in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro and name nearly 40 individuals, including Co, Alcantara, Sarah Discaya’s firm, and other DPWH personnel.
Key details of the cases
- Bulacan: Involves alleged “ghost” projects and kickbacks linked to local DPWH officials, including Alcantara, assistant engineer Brice Hernandez, and the Discaya family.
- Oriental Mindoro: Tied to the ₱289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, allegedly benefiting Co, contractor Sunwest, and other individuals.
On September 11, the DPWH filed complaints before the Ombudsman against Sarah Discaya’s firm and several engineers over alleged kickbacks amounting to between ₱39 million and ₱96 million. Later, on September 29, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure submitted its interim report recommending charges against 18 public officials, including Co.
“Christmas in prison”
Asked whether the implicated officials might spend the holidays in detention, Dizon replied, “Based on what the Ombudsman said yesterday, it’s pretty much certain.”
He said the Ombudsman aims to file the cases before Christmas, adding: “Those two cases will lead to imprisonment because they are non-bailable and involve around 40 people.”
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier confirmed that a case related to the ₱289.5-million flood control project in Naujan will likely be filed before the Sandiganbayan next week, signaling the start of formal proceedings against Co and other respondents.