The Philippine Senate expressed sharp criticism on Tuesday, April 28, toward government agencies for failing to secure the custody of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who was recently released by Czech authorities.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson characterized the incident as a significant failure of state coordination. He noted that officials were informed of Co’s apprehension in a timely manner but failed to act with the necessary urgency.
“Simply put, it was a lost opportunity and our government has nobody to blame except itself. Failing to act with dispatch after having been timely informed of ex-Cong. Zaldy Co’s apprehension by the Czech authorities now puts the government in an embarrassing situation,” Lacson stated.
Lacson urged the executive branch to “exert extra effort and work double time to bring him back not only to redeem itself from this lapse but to show its sincerity and seriousness in bringing Co and his co-conspirators to justice.”
He further indicated that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee intends to summon Co, who is alleged to be the “architect” of large-scale flood control irregularities.
Passport and Interpol Concerns
The investigation faced further complications as Senator Win Gatchalian highlighted a potential security breach regarding Co’s travel documents. Reports suggest that while one of Co’s passports was revoked, two others may remain active.
“So the question here is why only one passport (of his) was cancelled? The two others, apparently, can still be used. And with that is a complication as he can use the two remaining passports to travel around,” Gatchalian remarked.
Gatchalian pushed for an immediate Interpol Red Notice and the cancellation of all remaining travel documents to prevent Co from moving between international borders.
He noted that Co’s testimony is vital, as “if he cooperates, he has other information which can help in the investigation of the flood control scandal.”
A Blow to the Investigation
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito described the development as a “big blow” to the ongoing legislative inquiry into the flood gate corruption scandal.
He lamented the loss of momentum, noting that the chamber was optimistic about Co’s imminent return to face allegations.
“At first we were excited… because he is considered as one of the main proponents of the flood gate corruption scandal. So of course, it feels like a big blow setback when what we expected is gone,” Ejercito said.
The senators collectively called for an inquiry into possible coordination lapses between the Philippine Embassy in the Czech Republic and domestic law enforcement agencies to ensure such a “missed opportunity” does not recur.