The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) have submitted their recommendation to file graft and other charges against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and seven House of Representatives lawmakers in connection with alleged anomalous infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024.
Officials from the DPWH and ICI delivered boxes of their findings to the anti-graft body on Wednesday afternoon. The referral covers 1,300 infrastructure projects during the said period.
Below is the list of seven active lawmakers named in the agencies’ joint referral report:
Construction Workers Solidarity party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola
Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James Ang Jr.
Pusong Pinoy party-list Rep. Jernie Nisay
Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Augustina Pancho
Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara
Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas
Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Rivera
In an earlier briefing, ICI chair Andres Reyes said Co and other lawmakers ‘appeared to have violated the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and the Anti-Graft and Graft Practices, among others.’
This is the second joint referral DPWH and ICI submitted before the Ombudsman.
Their first joint referral involves Co and former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, recommending the filing of plunder, graft, and direct bribery charges against them.
According to DPWH chief Vince Dizon, the joint referral includes contracts involving Sunwest Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction from 2016 to 2025, covering projects worth roughly P100 billion (P67 billion for Sunwest and P32 billion for Hi-Tone). The referral also contains the sworn testimonies of retired Sgt. Orly Guteza in relation to Romualdez and Co. /cb