The Sandiganbayan has ruled that former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co cannot participate in court proceedings or seek judicial relief unless he surrenders to authorities.
In a 16-page resolution dated February 3, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division granted the prosecution’s motion and formally declared Co a fugitive from justice.
The court stressed that an accused declared a fugitive loses legal standing and is barred from engaging in proceedings or asking for court relief.
Co has remained abroad since leaving the country in 2025 for medical reasons and has not returned following the filing of malversation and graft charges over an allegedly substandard ₱289-million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The Sandiganbayan earlier ordered the cancellation of his Philippine passports.
Prosecutors argued that Supreme Court rules prohibiting fugitives from seeking judicial remedies apply to Co.
His lawyers countered that he has not been convicted, left the country before charges were filed, and stayed away due to security concerns.
The court rejected these arguments, saying it was “high time” to enforce the rule against individuals who flee beyond Philippine jurisdiction, adding that doing so strengthens the justice system and upholds due process for both the State and the accused.
In late January, Co sought relief from the Supreme Court by filing a petition for certiorari against Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, asking for a temporary restraining order on the Ombudsman’s resolution recommending charges. The High Court said it would determine whether the petition is barred under the rule on fugitives.
The Sandiganbayan, however, denied the prosecution’s request to strike out the appearance and filings of Co’s lawyers from the case records.