Zaldy in Sweden, based on SC petition

MANILA, Philippines — Fugitive former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, who has been implicated in the flood control scandal, was in Stockholm, Sweden this January, based on a petition filed through his lawyers before the Supreme Court (SC).

In a petition for certiorari, an apostille dated Jan. 15 shows that Co appeared before a notary public in Sweden, namely Stockholm County Administrative Board notary public Beatrice Gustafsson.

“I certify that I was able to verify the identity of the client, and that the signature was performed by the client of their own free will,” the apostille read.

Gustafsson further noted that the certification was conducted in accordance with Swedish regulations.

Another attachment, a Verification and Certification Against Forum Shopping also dated Jan. 15 was signed by Co in Stockholm, which stated: “I caused the preparation and filing of the foregoing petition.”

Void charges

In his petition, Co has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to declare as void the Nov. 14 resolution of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla which found probable cause to file charges against him in connection with an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

He also asked the SC to dismiss the subsequent charges against him before the Sandiganbayan.

Co, who is facing an arrest warrant but remains at large, noted that the interim report by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which was the basis of the ombudsman resolution, did not recommend the former lawmaker’s indictment for graft and malversation.

Co also accused Remulla of ignoring standard procedures and having “pre-judged” him, using only the ombudsman’s supposed investigation to “validate his [Remulla’s] conclusion that Co is guilty.”

He claimed that the ombudsman did not properly notify him of the charges and refused to furnish copies of the case records to him and his lawyers. He also said the investigation was conducted with “undue haste.”

The Supreme Court will deliberate on the petition for certiorari filed by Co to determine if it is covered by the rule prohibiting fugitives from seeking judicial relief.

Earlier this month, Co filed a petition asking the SC to declare as void the resolution of the Office of the Ombudsman finding probable cause to indict him for graft and malversation over a P289-million substandard flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Fugitives will be caught

Malacañang yesterday expressed confidence that the fugitives hiding abroad would be brought home following reports that Co is staying in Sweden.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said that the President is not frustrated with the ongoing manhunt for the fugitives because he knows that law enforcement agencies are working to track down those who are trying to evade the law.

Cancel Co’s foreign passport

After reports surfaced that Co appeared before a notary public in Stockholm, Sweden, the government is seeking to limit his movements in Europe by having his foreign passport cancelled.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday they are going to go hard on Co after a report over GMA News said the former lawmaker emerged in Stockholm on Jan. 15.

Remulla said they are also coordinating with the government of Sweden.

The Office of the Ombudsman said it will not be distracted by the “dilatory tactics” of Co, after the latter, through his lawyer, filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or writ of preliminary injunction to compel the ombudsman to desist from prosecuting his cases at the Sandiganbayan.

Meanwhile, the ombudsman said it will not be distracted by the “dilatory tactics” of Co, after the latter, through his lawyer, filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking a temporary restraining or der and/or writ of preliminary injunction to compel the ombudsman to desist from prosecuting his cases at the Sandiganbayan. — Emmanuel Tupas, Elizabeth Marcelo