The Sandiganbayan has issued an arrest warrant and hold departure order against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and 17 others over an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered authorities to enforce it immediately with no special treatment. Co, who left the Philippines in August, is willing to return under house arrest or bail due to safety fears.
On November 21, 2025, Philippine authorities confirmed that the anti-graft Sandiganbayan court had issued arrest warrants against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and 17 others in connection with a P289.5 million flood control project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The project was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region IV-B and involves officials such as Regional Director Gerald Pacanan, Assistant Regional Directors Gene Ryan Altea and Ruben Santos Jr., and members of the Sunwest Corp. board, allegedly co-owned by Co.
In a video posted on his Facebook page, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, “Let’s not delay this any longer. Arrest them now. Make sure it is done quickly and correctly. The wheels of justice are turning.” He emphasized that the cases are based on 'solid evidence' and assured no special treatment for any accused.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is awaiting a court order to cancel Co's passport under Republic Act 11983, or the New Philippine Passport Act. Co is the only accused confirmed to be abroad, with his exact location unknown. According to his lawyer Ruy Rondain, Co is willing to return if placed under house arrest or allowed bail due to fears for his life. “House arrest or bail. Bail will do because he is afraid of getting killed in jail,” Rondain said.
Meanwhile, the DPWH and Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended plunder, graft, and direct bribery charges against Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. This is based on contracts from Sunwest Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction between 2016 and 2025, as well as testimony from Co's former security aide Orly Guteza about delivering 35 suitcases of cash to Romualdez—though the affidavit's credibility was challenged.
Romualdez stated there is no credible evidence against him and trusts the Ombudsman's impartiality. “Throughout all these proceedings, no sworn or credible evidence has ever linked me to any irregularity, and again, my conscience remains clear,” he said. He remains in Metro Manila and is ready to face the process.
