Proceedings in the graft case against former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co are scheduled to begin on January 20 at the Sandiganbayan, according to Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon.
Dizon said he is set to take the witness stand during the opening of the trial, noting his role as complainant in several cases linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
The charges stem from an investigation into a P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, which authorities have described as anomalous.
In November, the Office of the Ombudsman filed corruption and malversation complaints against Co and several others, including former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and executives of a private construction firm.
Arrest warrants have since been issued against Co and his alleged co-accused, as the case moves forward before the anti-graft court.
Last December, the Sandiganbayan declared Co a fugitive from justice and ordered the cancellation of his Philippine passport, prompting the National Bureau of Investigation to seek international assistance for his arrest.
Co, who previously chaired the House committee on appropriations, has denied the accusations as authorities continue efforts to locate him and press the case.