THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION for Infrastructure (ICI) draws first blood, following the recommendation warranting the filing of charges against Ako Bicol partylist Congressman Zaldy Co over the P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
In its initial interim report to the Office of the Ombudsman, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) aptly described the infrastructure project — construction of a 12-meter pile along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River, as “anomalous.”
Based on the 32-page report, the ICI asked the Ombudsman to file a string of charges including graft, malversation and falsification against the partylist congressman who served as chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee during the 19th Congress.
Aside from Co, ICI also tagged 13 Department of Public Works and Highways officials over their alleged participation in the dike project.
PROJECT SPECS
On scrutiny, the ICI noted that the steel sheet piles installed in the said dike measured only about 2.5 to 3 meters in length despite the contract’s detailed engineering design requiring 12-meter piles.
“If applied across the project, this discrepancy could potentially result in public losses estimated at over PHP63 million,” the ICI pointed out in its report.
The Commission likewise cited apparent deficiencies in documentation supporting progress billings.
“Several payments were approved despite missing records and, in some instances, identical photographs were reused to justify separate billings,” it said.
“These circumstances may indicate lapses in project verification. Certifications by DPWH officials attesting to compliance with specifications and workmanship thus appear questionable and require further investigation,” it added.
ZALDY’S SUNWEST
The ICI further disclosed that Co was named for alleged “receipt of unwarranted benefits in relation to construction projects” of government contractor firm Sunwest Incorporated owned by the resigned sectoral representative.
Co had earlier claimed that he had divested his interests in the company, but according to reports, he still has potential beneficial ownership in the company.
The Commission, however, underscored that additional evidence is needed to establish any definitive connection.
“At this stage, the findings remain preliminary. The ICI has recommended that the Ombudsman evaluate whether potential violations may exist under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation and Falsification provisions of the Revised Penal Code, the Government Procurement Reform Act, and the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees,” the ICI clarified.
MORE EVIDENCE
At this juncture, it disclosed that “(ICI) will be submitting further evidence, within 15 days” while emphasizing that it does not make categorical findings of guilt and responsibility for determining liability rests with the proper authorities.
To clarify, the Commission explained that its interim report is “intended to assist in ensuring accountability in infrastructure projects and in protecting the integrity of public funds.”