Ombudsman charges Co, DPWH officials in ₱77-M Bulacan ‘ghost’ project
The Philippine Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation charges against former representative Elizaldy Co and several DPWH officials regarding a P77-million 'ghost' flood-control project. The project was marked as complete despite being non-existent, and investigators allege a conspiracy involving kickbacks.
Why it matters
This case highlights systemic corruption issues in public infrastructure projects and the use of witness protection programs to uncover high-level government malfeasance.
MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has filed malversation and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan against former Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials over an alleged P77-million "ghost" flood-control project in Balagtas, Bulacan.The Ombudsman found probable cause to charge Co, eight DPWH officials and his staff members John Paul Estrada and Mark Tecsay with malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.Records showed the riverbank protection structure along the Balagtas River in Purok 4, Barangay San Juan was declared 100-percent complete on May 2, 2025, but a subsequent inspection found that it was non-existent."However, upon inspection, it was non-existent," the Ombudsman said in its resolution.Investigators cited repeated approvals of payments despite irregularities in the Monthly Certificates of Payment and Statements of Work Accomplished, finding…
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