DPWH chief Dizon testifies in Sandiganbayan graft case vs Zaldy Co

MANILA, Philippines — Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday testified in the graft trial of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and his co-accused.

This case stemmed from the P289.4-million worth Sunwest project in Oriental Mindoro’s Naujan town which state prosecutors said was found to have serious structural deficiencies. 

Dizon, who inspected the project in September last year, discovered that the road dike only has a three-meter steel sheet pile (SSP), which is far from the 12-meter requirement.

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“Talagang kitang-kita mo yung kababuyan na ginawa nila dito (We really saw the disgraceful thing that they did here),” Dizon said in an ambush interview before the trial.

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READ: Ombudsman files 1st batch of raps vs Zaldy Co, others before Sandigan

“Whatever it takes to truly prove the guilt of those charged, including former congressman Zaldy Co, we will do it,” Dizon said.

Dizon already testified in Co’s malversation case last January.

Co, said to be a beneficial owner of Sunwest, was also the chairperson of the powerful House committee on appropriations before his resignation as a party-list representative in September last year amid the widespread public outrage on the multibillion flood control corruption scandal. 

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Co could not participate in the trial as he was earlier declared by Sandiganbayan as a fugitive from justice. 

A respondent declared as a fugitive from justice could no longer participate in the proceedings and could not seek any judicial relief unless they  surrender voluntarily. /jpv