Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon is set to appear before the Sandiganbayan on January 20 to testify in the case against former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
“On January 20, ako ay tetestigo sa Sandiganbayan sa trial ni former Congressman Zaldy Co…On Tuesday ako ay magtetestigo sa kaso sa Oriental Mindoro sa kaso ni Co,” Dizon said during a press conference.
Dizon will provide sworn testimony related to a P289.5 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, which has been linked to charges against Co and 15 other DPWH officials, as well as representatives from Sunwest Inc.
“We will give you updates sa aking sworn testimonies doon sa kaso niya, syempopre dahil ako ang complainant a marami sa kasong ito makikita niyo akong magtetestigo maraming mga kaso sa mga susunod na linggo, at buwan patuloy na proseso nating pananagot ‘yung mga dapat managot," Dizon added.
In November 2025, some of the 16 accused in the flood control project anomalies were already taken into government custody. They were charged with malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, for causing undue injury to the government.
On November 21, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that arrest warrants had been issued for Co and 17 other individuals linked to Sunwest Corporation and the DPWH.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) later confirmed the cancellation of Co’s passport following the President’s directive.
The Sandiganbayan has formally declared Co a “fugitive from justice” after he failed to appear in court despite standing warrants related to his graft cases. Philippine authorities have requested a 'red notice' from Interpol to facilitate Co’s arrest and repatriation.
As of January 7, Acting Philippine National Police Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that Co remains outside the country, with authorities coordinating efforts for his return through Interpol.
