Zaldy Co caught in Prague – Marcos Jr.

MANILA, Philippines — Flood control scam suspect and resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co has been arrested in the Czech Republic, President Marcos announced last night, in a development that may lead to the disclosure of more details about the multi-billion corruption scandal.

“Zaldy Co has been arrested. He is now detained in Prague after crossing into the Czech Republic without proper documentation and is currently in the custody of Czech authorities,” the President said in an X post.

“We are in close coordination with the Czech government to ensure that all legal processes are followed and to arrange for his return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” he added.

Marcos vowed to keep the public informed about the issue as developments unfold.

Co, who used to represent the Ako Bicol party-list, is facing an arrest warrant issued by Sandiganbayan for alleged malversation of public funds and graft. His charges emanated from an allegedly anomalous road dike in Oriental Mindoro worth P289.5-million.

The arrest warrant against him also covered at least 15 other persons from the Department of Public Works and Highways and construction company Sunwest Corp.

The lawmaker reportedly left the Philippines for a medical check-up on July 19, a few days before Marcos ordered an investigation into the corruption schemes surrounding flood control projects during his fourth State of the Nation Address.

Concerns over corruption in state projects were among the factors tied to the Philippine economy’s weaker-than-expected 4.4 percent growth last year. Officials have expressed optimism that the county’s economic performance would improve once the reforms
designed to strengthen transparency and accountability in the bureaucracy  are implemented.

In November, Co, the former chairman of the House appropriations committee,  claimed that Marcos had directed him to insert P100-billion worth of projects in the 2025 national budget. He added that the President had benefited from the kickbacks from flood control sructures.

Malacañang has denied his allegations, describing them as “filled with loopholes” and “hearsay.”

Three months later, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he obtained information that Co, who was then hiding in another country, had sent feelers through some priests to seek a dialogue with Philippine officials.

PNP prepares  for Zaldy Co’s return

The Philippine National Police has started preparing for the return of former Ako Bicol party list congressman Zaldy Co to the country..

“The  PNP stands ready to support all necessary legal processes, including coordination for his possible return to the Philippines,” PNP  chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said  in a statement yesterday evening.

Nartatez said they are coordinating through official channels, concerned agencies and international law enforcement partners on developments on Co who was arrested in Prague in the Czech Republic.