DPWH and ICI Recommend Plunder Charges Against Leyte Rep. Romualdez and Former Ako Bicol Rep. Co

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in partnership with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), has submitted joint recommendations to the Office of the Ombudsman urging the investigation and possible prosecution of Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co. The charges include plunder under Republic Act (RA) 7080, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), as well as direct bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon disclosed during a press briefing that the cases revolve around contracts awarded to construction firms Sunwest Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction, spanning from 2016 to 2025. These contracts are valued at around PHP 100 billion, with Sunwest accounting for PHP 67 billion and Hi-Tone PHP 32 billion.

Included in the evidence are sworn statements from retired Sergeant Orly Guteza, a former security consultant for Co, who claimed to have delivered large sums of cash to Romualdez and Co at their residences. Guteza’s testimony was first presented by Senator Rodante Marcoleta during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last September 25. However, the credibility of the affidavit has been challenged, following confirmation by the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court that the notarizing lawyer’s signature was forged.

Further developments include the Office of the Ombudsman’s filing of two graft counts and a malversation charge against Zaldy Co in connection with alleged irregularities involving a PHP 289.4 million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro. Apart from Co, several former DPWH regional officials and a Sunwest Construction executive were also named.

The Ombudsman’s prosecutorial panel advised against bail for Co on the malversation charge, citing the amount involved exceeds the PHP 8.8 million threshold stipulated by law. This ongoing investigation underscores intensified efforts to hold public officials accountable for corruption in government infrastructure projects.