By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the denial of the motion for reconsideration sought by fugitive Zaldy Co’s nine co-accused in the malversation charges in connection with the ghost flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
In a 27-page resolution dated March 31 and written by Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez, the anti-graft court denied the petition for lack of merit.
The motion for reconsideration was filed by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4-B (Mimaropa) employees Gerald A. Pacanan, Gene Ryan A. Altea, Ruben D. Santos, Dominic G. Serrano, Juliet C. Calvo, Dennis P. Abagon, Montrexis T. Tamayo, Lerma D. Cayco, and Felizardo S. Casuno.
The nine individuals, among other things, signed vouchers and inspection reports for the projects and, along with Co, face charges of malversation through falsification involving contractor Sunwest Inc. in the implementation of the project.
It was later discovered that Sunwest failed to comply with the required length for steel sheet piles (SSP) used in the project.
The individuals sought bail to secure temporary liberty, claiming they were merely doing their jobs by approving inspection reports and facilitating the disbursement of vouchers.
“The rest of the accused’s arguments are merely a substantial reiteration or rehash of their previous arguments in their respective memoranda. The Court had already addressed them in the assailed resolution or considered the same, and found them to be without merit. It is unnecessary to discuss them anew,” the Sandiganbayan ruled. (PNA)
