President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. presents a document during a nationally broadcast address from Malacañang on November 21, 2025, where he confirmed the issuance of arrest warrants for Zaldy Co and 17 others and ordered the full turnover of evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman. (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office)
President orders full turnover of evidence related to Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez to the Ombudsman
MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed on Friday, November 21, 2025, that the Sandiganbayan has issued arrest warrants for former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and 17 other respondents connected to an allegedly irregular flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. He instructed law enforcement agencies to enforce the warrants immediately and said that no individual, regardless of position, will receive special treatment during the inquiry.
The confirmation came as the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure delivered a separate referral to the Office of the Ombudsman recommending the filing of plunder, graft and direct bribery charges against Co and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. The referral concerns a broader set of alleged irregularities involving flood control projects in multiple regions.
Together, these developments mark the most significant escalation to date in the national investigation into public works spending and signal that both local project implementers and senior political figures are now under formal scrutiny.
Marcos directs full evidence turnover
Marcos said all documents, sworn statements, procurement files and engineering assessments gathered by the DPWH and ICI will be submitted in full to the Ombudsman. He stated that “the raps are now underway.”
He said the government’s investigation relies on verified records, audit findings and sworn evidence. Marcos stressed that the inquiry does not rely on online statements or political commentary. He added that no individual will be shielded because of political affiliation or public stature.
The President’s remarks sought to address public questions about the independence and reach of the investigation, which continues to expand across multiple regions and agencies.
Separate arrest warrants issued for Mindoro project
The arrest warrants relate to a distinct case involving a 289.5 million peso flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Earlier in the week, the Office of the Ombudsman filed charges alleging violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds. In response, the Sandiganbayan issued warrants for Co, former DPWH personnel and private contractors connected to the project.
Authorities said Co is currently outside the Philippines, a condition that predates the issuance of the arrest warrants. Hold departure orders remain in effect for the other respondents. The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Co’s passport remains valid unless a court orders its cancellation. The Office of the Ombudsman said it may seek assistance from international partners if required during the enforcement process.
Marcos directed the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to implement the warrants lawfully and swiftly and assured the public that all accused individuals will be afforded their legal rights.
DPWH and ICI referral outlines possible plunder and graft cases
In the separate referral, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and ICI officials delivered boxes of project records covering flood control contracts from 2016 to 2025. These include procurement documents, contractor filings, audit reports, engineering evaluations and sworn testimony from retired Sergeant Orly Guteza, who identified himself before the Senate as a former aide to Co.
The referral recommends that the Ombudsman examine whether the evidence supports charges of plunder, multiple counts of graft and direct bribery. Both agencies clarified that the referral is not yet a criminal complaint. The Ombudsman must first determine probable cause before any filing can proceed before the Sandiganbayan.
Romualdez and Co deny wrongdoing
Romualdez, through counsel, stated that he has not been presented with any sworn or credible document proving unlawful conduct. He said he is prepared to cooperate with investigators and expects a fair and impartial process.
Co, who resigned from Congress in September, has acknowledged in online videos that he facilitated budget insertions for flood control projects. He denied receiving kickbacks and said he acted under instructions from senior officials. Government investigators noted that these statements were not made under oath. Those he mentioned have denied his claims.
As of Friday, neither Romualdez nor Co has been charged with plunder. Both remain presumed innocent.
Nationwide audit continues
The DPWH and ICI are reviewing more than 9,800 flood control projects valued at more than 545 billion pesos. Officials said many of these projects have been flagged for potential irregularities, including paid but unconstructed structures, repeated contract awards and infrastructure that does not meet approved specifications.
The referral submitted Friday is expected to be the first of several. Additional submissions are likely as the national review continues.
A pivotal stage in the investigation
The combination of active arrest warrants in one case and a plunder referral in another signals that the flood control inquiry has entered its most consequential phase. The proceedings now encompass senior national officials, contractors and local public works personnel. The Ombudsman’s next steps will determine whether the allegations advance to trial and whether accountability will extend across all levels of the public works system.
