DOJ Speaks on Efforts To Locate Rep. Zaldy Co amid Flood Control Corruption Accusations
ZALDY CO – The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that they will apply for an Interpol “Blue Notice” amid the accusations of flood control corruption against the Ako Bicol Partylist Representative.
Several officials of the Philippine government are accused of allegedly receiving flood control kickbacks amid the issue. The testimonies that pinned down some officials of the government and the Department of Public Works and Highways were made by contractors and former DPWH officials. Despite the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the Senate continued its investigation.
One of the government officials mentioned in several testimonies amid the flood control investigation is Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co. Together with former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Co is accused of allegedly receiving 30% kickback from the flood control projects by controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.
Aside from the Discayas, a former marine who claimed to have worked as a staff member of Co, Orly Guteza, claimed that he has allegedly delivered suitcases filled with millions of money to the Ako Bicol Partylist Representative and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez. However, amid the accusations, Co is out of the country. Romualdez reportedly tried to get him home when he was still the House speaker.
Zaldy Co was already in the United States for his treatment when the accusations against him broke out. He denied the allegations that linked him to the flood control mess. Amid the issue, House Speaker Bojie Dy revoked the Travel Clearance of the Representative and ordered him to immediately return to the country — which has yet to materialize.
Currently, there are a lot of questions about Co’s whereabouts. Many Filipinos are asking if he is still in U.S. or the rumors that he flew to Spain are true. Recently, the Department of Justice spoke on their efforts to get the controversial Representative back to the country and face the allegations against him.
Based on a report on Inquirer, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano confirmed that Justice Sec. Boying Remulla “has already given instructions to apply for a blue notice from the Interpol” through the local offices over Rep. Zaldy Co. According to Clavano, the move is based on the Senate Blue Ribbon inquiry as well as the recommendation of the National Bureau of Investigation.
The “Blue Notice” from the Interpol will pave the way for the collection of additional information about the identity, location, and activities of a person related to criminal investigation. Amid the accusations against him, in a statement, Rep. Zaldy Co spoke about returning to the Philippines amid the flood control mess.