The Sandiganbayan has taken a major step in a graft case involving former lawmaker Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.
In a resolution released on March 4, the court’s Fifth Division granted the prosecution’s request to issue a writ of preliminary attachment.
In simple terms, the order allows authorities to temporarily attach or hold certain properties linked to Co while the case is ongoing.
It’s a move meant to protect government funds — and ensure that assets remain available if the court later rules that damages must be paid.
The Case Behind the Court Order
The case was filed by the Office of the Ombudsman last November.
Co, along with several other individuals — including former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Mimaropa — faces charges tied to a road dike construction project in Oriental Mindoro.
According to prosecutors, the government may have suffered losses amounting to P215.3 million in connection with the project.
Because of this, the Ombudsman asked the court to attach properties owned by Co in the Philippines.
These properties could help cover the alleged damages if the court eventually finds the accused liable.
Properties Under Scrutiny
Documents submitted by the prosecution include land titles and condominium certificates connected to the properties listed in the motion.
The records show that the properties are registered under Co, his wife, or both spouses together.
However, during a hearing on February 11, prosecutors asked the court to remove one property from the list.
The reason?
It had already been sold in July last year.
Still a Chance to Fight
Despite the court’s approval of the writ, the Sandiganbayan made one thing clear.
Co still has the right to challenge the order.
The court emphasized that he will be given a fair and adequate opportunity to contest the attachment of the properties as the case continues to move forward.
For now, though, the decision marks another serious development in a case involving hundreds of millions of pesos in alleged government losses — and the assets that may eventually answer for them.
