Photo from Zaldy Co’s Instagram account
MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday, January 22, said it is open to any step that could help clarify the case involving fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, including the possibility of dialogue, but stressed that any engagement should proceed through proper legal channels and under the authority of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration’s position is focused on fact-finding and accountability, particularly in relation to the broader flood-control controversy in which Co is implicated.
“If this helps us know the truth, the government is open to hearing what he has to say,” Castro said during a Palace briefing. She emphasized, however, that Co has not sought to speak directly with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and that any reported overtures have been directed toward the Ombudsman.
Castro added that the Palace would not interfere in the handling of the case and would defer to the Ombudsman, which has jurisdiction over the charges.
“Feelers” relayed through intermediaries
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier told reporters that Co had sent informal “feelers” indicating openness to dialogue through Catholic priests described as acquaintances of the former congressman.
According to Remulla, the intermediaries sought to establish communication with the Ombudsman, not with him or with Malacañang. He cautioned that the outreach remains informal and unverified.
“He sent feelers through some of the priests he knew. They asked to connect with us to have a dialogue — not through me, through the Ombudsman,” Remulla said. He added that the information came indirectly and has not been independently confirmed.
Authorities cite Portugal as last known location
Remulla also said Co’s last known location was Portugal, based on information available to authorities. He said Co was believed to have obtained travel or residency documents through Portugal’s so-called “golden visa” program, without providing details on the status or validity of such documents.
Philippine officials have previously said coordination with foreign counterparts is ongoing as authorities seek to locate Co and address the legal processes related to his case.
Charges tied to alleged flood-control anomaly
Co and several others are facing charges of malversation and alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with an alleged ghost flood-control project in Oriental Mindoro.
Investigators have linked the case to the reported construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, with a stated project cost of ₱289.5 million. Authorities allege the project either did not exist or was inconsistent with approved plans and disbursements.
Co has previously denied wrongdoing in public statements. The cases remain pending before the appropriate judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.
Co-accused arrested; cases proceed
Remulla said nine of Co’s co-accused have already been arrested and are currently detained in various penal facilities in Metro Manila. Proceedings against those in custody are ongoing.
