MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has identified the first batch of officials to be charged before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the widespread corruption involving flood control projects, with resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co leading the list.

Fifteen flood control scandal cases are currently under preliminary investigation, with five being handled by the Department of Justice and ten by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Crispin "Boying" Remulla announced that more than ten personalities will face initial malversation charges at the Sandiganbayan, primarily related to an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro worth nearly 290 million pesos.

"Mauunang ifafile ang kaso ni Elizaldy Co at yung ibang opisyal ng DPWH Region 4B at bumubuo ng kumpanyang Sunwest."

["The case against Elizaldy Co and other DPWH Region 4B officials, along with those comprising Sunwest, will be filed first,"] Remulla stated.

The controversial project was handled by Sunwest Construction, owned by Co. 

According to Remulla, clear evidence shows that Co and DPWH Region 4B officials orchestrated the anomalies, as their signatures appear on contracts indicating they received payment despite the project remaining unfinished.

Ombudsman's preliminary investigation panel has already reached a resolution despite Co's failure to submit a counter-affidavit.

"Kasi nga he refused to receive the subpoena. Kaya considered waived na yan, may due process yan. Binigyan ng pagkakataon sumagot alam naman natin na umalis sya at tumakas sya at di bumabalik at ayaw tanggapin ang subpoena na binigay sa kanila, kaya for resolution na yan."

["He refused to receive the subpoena. That's considered waived already. There was due process. He was given the opportunity to respond, but we know he left and fled, hasn't returned, and refused to accept the subpoena given to them, so this is ready for resolution,"] Remulla explained.

While the panel will determine the exact filing date, Remulla expressed confidence that charges will be filed with the Office of the Special Prosecutor at the Sandiganbayan this week or next.

Once charged, authorities can begin the process of bringing the resigned lawmaker back to the Philippines. 

"Malamang dyan na ang pagsisimula ng cancel ng passport pag naisampa sa sandiganbayan kailangan ng court order para makansela ang passport."

["Most likely, that's when the passport cancellation process will begin. Once filed with the Sandiganbayan, we'll need a court order to cancel the passport,"] Remulla said.

The Ombudsman also hasn't ruled out the possibility of extradition, requesting a country to surrender Co for prosecution, as he is reportedly hiding in Europe.

"Extradition is a process that we can use, ano naman yan e nainiwala ako kaya lagi yan. Ang goodwill naman natin bilang mga Pilipino napakalaki sa buong mundo. Pag Pilipino ang nakusap malamang makinig sila."

["Extradition is a process we can use. I believe it's always possible. Our goodwill as Filipinos is significant worldwide. When Filipinos speak, they'll likely listen,"] Remulla added.

Meanwhile, Remulla dismissed recent claims by Co's lawyer that the Ombudsman had already convicted Co before giving him a chance to respond to the allegations. The Ombudsman clarified that no prejudgment occurred, only prosecution.

"Prejudging is a wrong term because our job is to prosecute people not to be judges. Hindi kami ang huwes dito. Kami po ang tagahabol ng mga gumawa ng kabalastugan at winalanghiya ang sistema ng bastos yun ang trabaho natin dito."

["Prejudging is the wrong term because our job is to prosecute people, not to be judges. We're not the judges here. We're the ones pursuing those who committed wrongdoing and disrespected the system. That's our job here,"] Remulla emphasized.

The Ombudsman's office continues preparing various cases against other individuals implicated in the flood control scandal, including former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya, and several others who have emerged as suspects in the widespread corruption scheme. - via Evan Alvarez

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