Sandiganbayan approves consolidation of cases vs Rep. Zaldy Co

The Sandiganbayan's Sixth Division has approved the prosecution's request to consolidate the malversation and graft cases against Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co and other individuals linked to an alleged anomalous road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.

This consolidation aims to serve the best interests of justice and promote judicial economy by streamlining the legal process.

The prosecution contended that both cases stem from the same factual background, involve the same parties, and would rely on similar evidence and witnesses.

The Sixth Division, led by Associate Justice Sarah Fernandez, agreed that separate trials would be inefficient, costly, and repetitive.

The resolution, dated November 27, noted that consolidation would expedite the resolution of charges, prevent redundant evidence presentation, and avoid conflicting rulings on the same set of facts.

However, the consolidation is contingent on the acceptance of the Fifth Division, which is currently handling the graft charges independently.