MANILA — Malacañang has assured that high-profile individuals involved in the alleged misuse of funds for flood control projects will be charged and arrested in the coming days.

According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez, additional cases are expected to be filed by the Office of the Ombudsman with the Sandiganbayan following the complaint filed on November 18 against former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and 15 others over a substandard flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

“Tandaan natin, isang kaso palang ito ‘yung sa Oriental Mindoro. Marami pang isasampa in the next few days at sigurado ako kasama na dyan ‘yung mga big fish,” Gomez said in an interview with dzRH on Tuesday.

The PCO chief reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment that those involved in the scam will be arrested and jailed before Christmas.

“Itoong huling kasong sinampa, may isang malaking balyena na tayong kinasuhan, si Rep. Zaldy Co. So, marami pa, marami pa sa darating na araw bago mag-Pasko,” Gomez said.

The President emphasized the importance of building strong cases to ensure thorough review and eventual conviction of the guilty parties.

Warrants of arrest have already been issued against Co, 15 officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Mimaropa, and Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation in connection with the flood control project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Nine of the accused have already been arrested and brought to the Sandiganbayan, while Co and six other individuals remain at large and are being pursued by authorities.

The PCO chief stressed that the President is determined to complete the investigation he initiated to curb corruption in DPWH projects and hold those who misuse public funds accountable.