LTO awards P2B projects to firm linked to ex-Rep. Zaldy Co

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao revealed that Sunwest Inc., a company linked to former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, secured P2 billion worth of projects from the Land Transportation Office.

The projects include two buildings, each costing P499 million, identified as the IT Training Hub and the Road Safety Interactive Center, and a Central Command Center worth P946 million.

Contracts for these projects were signed in February 2021, and although construction is finished, audit findings indicate the buildings are underutilized.

A COA report highlighted issues such as improper use of the IT dormitory, poorly maintained rooms, and idle IT hub equipment.

The COA also noted efficiency concerns, non-compliance with contract requirements, under-utilization of facilities, and improper computation of the contract, resulting in an overpayment of P26,910,332.