Sandiganbayan Approves Consolidation of Malversation and Graft Cases vs. Zaldy Co, Others in Flood Control Controversy

The Sandiganbayan has approved the consolidation of malversation and graft cases filed against former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and several other accused in connection with the alleged misuse of ₱289.5 million allotted for a flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

The anti-graft court granted the prosecution’s motion to combine the cases, citing identical facts, transactions, parties involved, and evidence to be presented during trial.

In a resolution issued by the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division on November 27, the court noted that hearing the two cases separately would be “redundant,” costly, and time-consuming for both the judiciary and the parties.

“Consolidation of these cases will serve the highest interest of justice, promote judicial economy, expedite the resolution of the charges, prevent the repetition of evidence, and avoid the possibility of conflicting factual findings or rulings on the same set of facts,” the resolution stated.

Of the individuals charged in the two cases, nine are already in government custody. Several remain at large, including Co, who, according to information from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), is believed to be staying in Portugal.

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