By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Vince Dizon is confident that the charges and pieces of evidence against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and others involved in the anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro are well-founded.
“For us, the evidence is strong. We are confident that the Sandiganbayan will prove that the project was indeed substandard and that Sunwest, former Congressman Zaldy Co, and the DPWH colluded to build a substandard project to steal the money of our countrymen,” Dizon said in an interview after his testimony before the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday.
Co and several former officials of the DPWH-Mimaropa are facing graft charges linked to an anomalous flood control project worth P289 million in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Dizon also believed that the anti-graft court would give a fair judgment based on substantial evidence presented for the case to stand.
“We are confident in the evidence and we stand by everything we did to get us to this point in this case,” the DPWH chief said.
He added the proper process was followed in the investigation of the questionable flood control project, which also went through the Commission on Audit (COA).
At the same time, Dizon said he is expected to appear frequently before the anti-graft court hearings due to similar cases involving flood control projects in Davao Occidental and Bulacan.
PNP assistance
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it is ready to help validate the flood control projects amid reports that wrong coordinates were given to investigators.
“This is part of our commitment to the Filipino people to assist in the search for truth and accountability over these issues that affect not only the people’s money but also the trust and confidence of the people to their government,” acting PNP chief PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
Nartatez issued the statement after DPWH Usec. Arthur Bisnar told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Monday that inspections should start over due to discrepancies in the grid coordinates of certain projects.
He emphasized that the police force is prepared to provide technical and investigative support to any concerned agency, including engineering verification and forensic validation of the projects under review.
“The police force is always ready to engage in discussions with pertinent agencies regarding information sharing and verification of information in connection to these infrastructure projects,” Nartatez said.
Combined teams from the police and the military have so far inspected more than 10,000 flood control projects nationwide but Bisnar said there is a need to revisit these projects to verify compliance and resolve any anomalies. (With a report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
