Marcos: We will bring Zaldy Co home

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is sending a high-level “coordination team” to the Czech Republic to bring flood control scam suspect Zaldy Co home, President Marcos said yesterday, as he assured Filipinos that the former lawmaker would be held accountable.

Marcos said Co, who was apprehended last Thursday in Prague for illegal entry, is still under the custody of Czech authorities and that all necessary steps are being undertaken so he can be brought back to the Philippines.

“I have directed the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to lead the coordination with the authorities of the Czech Republic to ensure that everything we need to do is in line with due process,” the President said in a video statement. “A high-level coordination team will also be sent to oversee this.”

Malacañang has not identified the members of the team.

Marcos noted that legal measures are followed in such engagements with other countries, requiring time to carry out properly.

“We will bring Zaldy Co home and we will do so in accordance with the law. He will answer to the Filipino people,” the Chief Executive said.

Marcos ordered an investigation into ghost and substandard flood control projects during his fourth State of the Nation Address last year, saying those behind the anomalies should be ashamed for placing typhoon-prone communities at risk.

In November, the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant against Co for alleged malversation of public funds and graft over a questionable road dike in Oriental Mindoro worth P289.5 million.

Co, former chairman of the House appropriations committee, left the Philippines before the issuance of the arrest warrant, which also covered at least 15 other persons from the public works department and construction firm Sunwest Corp.

He resigned as representative of the Ako Bicol party-list in September. The Philippine government canceled Co’s passport last December.

On Thursday, Marcos announced that Co was arrested at the Czech border with Germany for lack of proper documentation.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the arrest of the former lawmaker underscores the government’s commitment to pursue accountability as well as its resolve and determination to ensure that those linked to the flood control scandal are brought to justice.

Dizon noted that the entire country is awaiting further developments, particularly Co’s being finally made to face authorities to answer allegations against him.

“Everyone is looking forward to seeing him back and facing investigation,” he added.

Further details, including the timeline for his return and participation in legislative hearings, are expected to be announced by the President in the coming days. — Emmanuel Tupas, Rainier Allan Ronda