The government believes former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, a principal suspect in the flood control corruption scandal, is in Portugal, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Monday.
“He is suspected to have a Portuguese passport acquired so many years ago,” Remulla said, adding, “Sa ngayon, ang hinala namin nasa Portugal siya at doon naninirahan.”
The Philippines has no extradition treaty with Portugal. Remulla urged Filipinos in Europe to report sightings of Co by sending photos to authorities or posting online.
He assured the public that the DILG is coordinating with the DFA, Department of Justice, and the Office of the Ombudsman to achieve a “satisfying outcome” in bringing Co home.
The Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant against Co and 15 others for graft and malversation over an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
President Bongbong Marcos warned that Co’s passport would be canceled and said he cannot evade justice.
The President also alleged that Co’s camp attempted blackmail, claiming the lawmaker would stop releasing tell-all videos if the government drops the passport cancellation threat, which Co’s lawyer denied.
Co has been abroad since July for medical treatment in the U.S., resigning from his partylist group and the House of Representatives.