Former lawmaker Zaldy Co may be included among those to face charges in connection with alleged irregularities in government flood control projects, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed on Friday.
In an interview, Remulla said several public officials—including congressmen—are expected to be charged within the next 30 days for their involvement in the so-called flood control scandal. “Wala sa akin yung listahan eh. Pero marami po… Mayroong mga congressman nakasama,” he said.
When asked directly if Co, who has been tagged as one of the alleged masterminds behind the scheme, would be among those charged, Remulla responded that it was “highly likely.” He noted that a case from Mindoro linked to the controversy was already filed before his office. “Malamang kasama. Kasi, ang naalala ko, merong Mindoro case na kasama sa mga finile sa amin,” he added.
The Ombudsman also said that once Co is formally charged, his office will move to cancel his passport.
Aside from the planned filing of charges, Remulla disclosed that suspension orders against erring Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials across various provinces are also set to be issued soon. “Marami akong pipirmahan ng suspension orders… para masuspindi na yung mga opisyal na tiwali dito sa flood control mess sa iba’t ibang probinsya,” he stated.
However, Remulla clarified that sitting lawmakers cannot be suspended by his office, though they remain subject to investigation. “Kongresista hindi natin pwede suspindihan yan. Wala sa ating poder yan. Pero pwede hong imbistigahan,” he said.
