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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ starts preliminary probe on plunder charge vs Zaldy Co, other respondents

DOJ starts preliminary probe on plunder charge vs Zaldy Co, other respondents

Published Jan 5, 2026 05:37 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) started on Monday afternoon, Jan. 5, its preliminary investigation on the plunder charge filed against resigned congressman Zaldy Co and other respondents named in the flood control anomalies.
“No counsel appeared for Elizaldy Co,” DOJ Spokesperson and Prosecution Attorney Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez told journalists.
But, Martinez said, the proceedings will continue and Co was given until Jan. 15 to file his counter-affidavit.
The co-respondents of Co are officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who were not identified by Martinez. The amount in the plunder charge was not also disclosed.
Under Republic Act No. 7080, the Anti-Plunder Act, the crime of plunder is committed by a public official who, alone or with others, amasses at least P75 million (originally P50 million) in ill-gotten wealth through a series of criminal acts like illegal use of funds, accepting kickbacks, or taking advantage of their position. A conviction is punishable with life imprisonment.
Last Nov. 21, the Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Co and 17 officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corporation who were charged with graft and malversation of public funds in the P289.5 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Co has been out of the country since July last year. With the arrest order issued against him and his failure to surrender or be arrested, he has been declared a fugitive from justice.
Aside from Co, also charged before the anti-graft court were DPWH Region IV-B Director Gerald A. Pacanan, Assistant Regional Director Gene Ryan A. Altea, Assistant Regional Director Ruben C. Santos, Jr., Construction Division Chief Dominic G. Serrano, Project Engineer III Felisardo S. Casuno, Materials Engineer Timojen A. Sacar, Planning and Design Division OIC-Chief Montrexis T. Tamayo, Maintenance Division Chief Juliet C. Calvo, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division OIC-Chief Dennis P. Abagon, Accountant IV Lerma D. Cayco, bids and awards committee member Grace D. Lopez, BAC vice chairperson Friedrich Karl L. Camero, President and Chairperson of Sunwest Board of Directors Aderma Angelie D. Alcazar, Treasurer Cesar X. Buenaventura, and members Consuelo D. Aldon, Engr. Noel Y. Cao, and Anthony L. Ngo.
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