Pinoys in US urged: Help find Zaldy Co

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos living in the United States have been urged to help find Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and report his whereabouts to US authorities.

In a Facebook post, Ree Cabay, who lives in the US, urged her fellow Filipinos to report to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the whereabouts of Co for his immediate return to the Philippines to face questions on flood control anomalies.

Cabay said Co, one of the most allegedly corrupt government officials, is reportedly in the US for medical treatment. Co’s photo was attached to the post.

“If you happen to see this individual, please report it to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at 1-866-347-2423. He must return to the Philippines and face the ongoing Senate investigation into the serious allegations of corruption,” Cabay said.

If he has nothing to hide, Cabay added that Co should have remained in the Philippines and answered to the people.

“Evading accountability while enjoying the comforts of the US is an injustice to the 120 million Filipinos who deserve honest and responsible leadership,” she added.

“Let’s do the right thing for our country. If you know where he is or if he’s staying with someone you know, please encourage him to return and face due process. Do not help shield him from responsibility,” she added.

Cabay’s post has nearly 7,000 shares and 6,000 likes.

“Let’s stand up for truth, justice, and the Filipino people. Remember our fellow countrymen are suffering from flooding while this corrupt official (allegedly) is swimming on people’s money. The best thing we can do is send him back to PH,” Cabay said.

Co was previously chair of the House appropriations committee before stepping down in January due to health reasons.

Some of his House colleagues have long wanted him to face scrutiny about alleged insertions in the 2025 national budget and the inclusion of Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., which he co-founded, in flood control projects.

Speaker Faustino Dy III has already revoked Co’s travel clearance, ordering him to return to the country within 10 calendar days upon receipt of the formal letter.