Ombudsman orders ex-Ako Bicol Rep Co to explain P289.5M flood control project irregularities

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co to explain alleged irregularities in flood control projects amounting to P289.5 million in Oriental Mindoro.

The investigation links the projects to Co's Sunwest Inc., with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) filing a referral to the Ombudsman seeking graft, malversation, and falsification charges against Co and other Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials.

An order for Co to file a counter-affidavit was served at his last known address, but individuals there refused to accept it.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed the order was validly served and deemed received, stating that Co will be considered in default if he fails to file his counter-affidavit.

Co's lawyer, Ruy Rondain, believes the Ombudsman has pre-judged the case and stated that there is no tactical benefit to filing a counter-affidavit, so Co does not intend to file one at this time.

Co left the Philippines in August for medical treatment in the United States and has yet to return, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.

The Ombudsman has intelligence on Co's whereabouts and may request passport cancellation and an Interpol red notice once cases are filed in court.