Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said he does not believe Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co has any plans of returning to the Philippines as he faces multiple corruption allegations.
In a press briefing on Monday, September 29, Remulla revealed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is already preparing to classify Co as a fugitive.
“I don’t think so, hindi magpaparamdam ’yun, he’ll be a fugitive,” Remulla remarked when asked if the lawmaker intends to come back.
He added: “Eh wala. Diba ganun talaga kapag may problema ang tao at lumayas, may problema yun.”
According to Remulla, Co is not yet officially considered a fugitive, but his status will “inevitably” head in that direction.
“So far hindi naman siya fugitive pero ganun (na) rin magiging status niya later on, that’s inevitable,” he said.
The justice chief estimated that Co is currently in Spain. The DOJ is now coordinating with Interpol to issue a “blue notice” to help locate and arrest the embattled congressman.
Co is facing multiple charges for allegedly receiving billions in kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects, as well as his reported involvement in questionable budget insertions in the 2025 national budget.