The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Saturday hailed a "important step toward justice" after the Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants against former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and 17 co-accused in connection with anomalies in a flood control project.

According to ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Hosaka, the issued arrest warrants will facilitate the legal proceedings against the accused in the flood control scandal.

“Ang paglabas ng arrest warrant ng Sandiganbayan ay napakaimportante sa paglitis ng mga akusado sa flood control scandal,” said Hosaka.

“Ito ay hudyat at simula ng proseso sa korte upang makamit na ang hustisya para sa taong-bayan. Ito rin ang maaring maging basehang legal para mapa-uwi na sa bansa at mapaharap sa korte ang mga kinasasangkutan,” he added.

According to Hosaka, the arrest warrants will serve as a basis for bringing those currently abroad back to the country to face the court.

The ICI emphasized that the development underlines the commitment of authorities to pursue accountability in government projects.

Earlier, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced that arrest warrants have been issued against Co and 17 other individuals, including officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Sunwest Corporation.

The President urged law enforcement agencies to carry out the arrests promptly, emphasizing that they should be executed efficiently and with integrity.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that it has deployed teams to enforce the Sandiganbayan-issued arrest warrants against Co and several others implicated in alleged irregularities in flood-control projects.