Flood Control Funds Funneled into Ghost Projects?Whistleblower Alleges Trillions in Kickbacks Linked to Ex-Congressman Co, Former Speaker Romualdez

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson

Flood Control Funds Funneled into Ghost Projects?Whistleblower Alleges Trillions in Kickbacks Linked to Ex-Congressman Co, Former Speaker Romualdez

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | November 5, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A sweeping corruption scandal has engulfed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with allegations of trillions of pesos diverted into non-existent flood control projects.

The massive corruption claims center on Zaldy Co, former representative of Ako Bicol Partylist, implicating former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in a huge kickback scheme.

The Senate is scrambling to corroborate the testimony of Orly Guteza, Co’s former security consultant, who has detailed an operation involving “ghost projects” and the systematic siphoning of public funds.

Guteza alleges his role was to transport massive amounts of cash – referred to as “basura” (trash) – at approximately P48 million to various locations, allegedly representing kickbacks from government contracts.

Guteza testified that his daily routine involved reporting to Co’s residence in Bonifacio Global City, but his assignments often led him to a Pasig City address for the “garbage duty.”

There, he received suitcases overflowing with cash, which he then delivered to two individuals identified as John Paul Estrada and Mark Tecsay, Co’s executive assistants.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson revealed that Estrada and Tecsay, considered crucial witnesses to corroborate Guteza’s claims, may have already left the country with Co.

Lacson, referring to information from Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, stated: “We are in pursuit of individuals who can substantiate Guteza’s statements.”

The Senate had initially identified Estrada and Tecsay as key figures who could validate Guteza’s account.

However, inquiries revealed the possibility that they had already left the country with Co.

“We need to verify with the Bureau of Immigration whether they have left the country, assuming they used their real identities,” Lacson said.

The disappearance of the potential witnesses raises serious questions about the scope and depth of the alleged corruption.

The Senate investigation is now focused on tracking down Co, Estrada, and Tecsay, and uncovering the full extent of the alleged fraud.

The allegations against Co and Romualdez, if proven true, would represent a betrayal of public trust and a blow to efforts to mitigate the Philippines’ vulnerability to flooding.

The Senate has vowed to hold those responsible accountable.