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Philippines Detains Seven in Flood-Control Graft Probe as Court Opens First Case

The president urges fugitives to surrender, with the first case focused on an Oriental Mindoro river dike tied to a firm linked to ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co.

Overview

  • Authorities say one suspect was arrested and six surrendered over the weekend, while additional suspects are still being sought.
  • The Sandiganbayan indicted more than a dozen people, including former representative Zaldy Co and public works engineers, in the first of expected multiple corruption cases.
  • The initial case centers on a 289 million peso Mag-asawang Tubig River dike project in Oriental Mindoro built by Sunwest Corp., which officials say is owned by Co’s family.
  • Marcos said two wanted suspects are preparing to give up, and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Co is believed to be outside the country as three others may surrender via embassies in the United States, New Zealand and Jordan.
  • Finance officials estimate up to 118.5 billion pesos may have been lost since 2023, and a large protest backed by the Roman Catholic Church is scheduled for November 30.