Bail denied for Zaldy’s 9 co-accusedMANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has upheld its decision denying the plea to post bail of nine co-accused of lawmaker-turned-fugitive Zaldy Co in the Oriental Mindoro flood control malversation case. In a 27-page resolution, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division denied for lack of merit the motion for reconsideration filed by former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa that sought to reverse the denial of their plea to post bail. Denied bail were Gerald Pacanan, former regional director; Gene Ryan Altea, former assistant regional director; Ruben D.S. More prosecutorsMeanwhile, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida reported significant improvements in case resolutions following the increase in the number of prosecutors since 2022. From 2,883 prosecutors that made up the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service manpower in 2022, the figure rose to 3,025 in 2023, 3,240 in 2024 and 3,968 as of March 2026, he said in his 100-day accomplishment report on Tuesday.

Source: Philippine Star April 01, 2026 16:11 UTC