The Department of Justice has included a plunder complaint against fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co in its preliminary investigation into corruption allegations tied to flood control projects in Bulacan. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez stated that no counsel appeared for Co, giving him until January 15 to submit a counter-affidavit. The probe also covers former Senator Bong Revilla and Senator Joel Villanueva, both denying involvement in the anomalous projects.
On January 5, 2026, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez told reporters about seven cases under preliminary investigation, including a plunder complaint against fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co related to the flood control corruption scandal. "One pertains to plunder, which is against Ako-Bicol Representative Zaldy Co," Martinez said. No counsel appeared for Co during the proceedings, so the prosecution panel gave him until January 15 to submit his counter-affidavit. "We’re working with a timeline here and any respondent for that matter, if they do or do not appear, we will proceed in accordance with the timeline under the rules," Martinez added.
The investigation also includes complaints against former Senator Bong Revilla and Senator Joel Villanueva, both of whom have denied involvement in the alleged anomalous construction projects in Bulacan. The cases involve allegations of direct bribery, corruption of public officials, malversation through falsification, and violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
On December 10, 2025, the Sandiganbayan declared Co a fugitive from justice, citing his pattern of noncompliance, and ordered the cancellation of his passport along with three others linked to the scandal. As the probe continues, opinions suggest President Marcos' anti-corruption campaign has damaged his popularity in surveys, with calls for more arrests of high-profile figures. However, Marcos has ordered investigations into all anomalous flood control projects. Separately, former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson challenged Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to a debate at Malacañang over the allegations, but the Palace dismissed it, stating the President focuses on governance rather than debates.
