Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on Monday challenged former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co to return billions of pesos in allegedly stolen public funds if he truly wants to engage with the government.
“Sa akin kasi, kung pwedeng pag-usapan, pag-usapan na. Limitado ang oras natin dito, dapat matapos agad yung ganitong problema, kasi bitin na bitin ang bansa natin,” Remulla told reporters.
Remulla emphasized that restitution should be the first step in any discussions, saying: “Basta restitution, pag-usapan agad. Kasi kung talagang willing kayo, then magsauli kayo.”
The Sandiganbayan has ordered Co’s arrest and declared him a fugitive in connection with criminal cases tied to anomalous flood control projects and alleged irregular budget insertions.
He faces charges of malversation, graft, and falsification of documents over a ₱289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.