The Sandiganbayan has denied the bail petitions of nine co-accused of former lawmaker Zaldy Co. in the Oriental Mindoro flood-control malversation case.
The anti-graft court rejected their motion for reconsideration, ruling that evidence showed the officials conspired to release Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) funds to Co-linked contractor Sunwest Inc. despite incomplete or substandard work.
Those denied bail include former DPWH Mimaropa officials Gerald Pacanan, Gene Ryan Altea, Ruben Santos, Dominic Serrano, Felisardo Casuno, Lerma Cayco, Dennis Abagon, Montrexis Tamayo, and Juliet Calvo.
The court maintained that the accused’s certifications and approvals facilitated the misappropriation of government funds.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida also highlighted an increase in prosecutors from 2,883 in 2022 to 3,968 in March 2026, which has contributed to improved case resolutions.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 2, 2026
