Bernardo arrives at Sandiganbayan to testify in Zaldy Co’s graft case

MANILA, Philippines — State witness and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo on Wednesday arrived at the Sandiganbayan to testify in the graft case of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

READ: Ex-DPWH Usec Bernardo to testify in Zaldy Co’s graft case

Co’s graft case in the Fifth Division stemmed from the P289.4-million worth Sunwest project in Oriental Mindoro’s Naujan town under DPWH Region IV-B which prosecutors said was found to have serious structural deficiencies. 

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READ: Ex-DPWH exec tells court: Co gave me P130 million as ‘balato’

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In March, Bernardo already testified in Co’s malversation case before the Sixth Division stemming from the same Naujan project.

At that time,  Bernardo said he allegedly received P130 million “balato” from Co, of which, P30 million was coursed through the DPWH IV-B office.

READ: Dizon: Unlike Edsa rehab, road dike in Co’s case is unfixable

Co, alleged 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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The former lawmaker could not participate in the trial as he was earlier declared by the Sixth Division 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