Malacañang on Tuesday clarified that any potential surrender or cooperation by fugitive former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co is a matter solely for the Office of the Ombudsman, as the administration reiterated its stance of non-interference in the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is open to hearing Co’s statements if these would help uncover the truth, but emphasized that all decisions fall under the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.
“Sa ating pagkakarinig, siya po ay nais makipag-ugnayan sa Ombudsman. At ang sabi din naman ng Ombudsman, even before, na lahat ng proteksyon na kailangan niya ay ibibigay,” Castro said.
“Kung ito po ay makakatulong para malaman natin ang katotohanan, ang gobyerno ay open po para malaman kung ano ang kaniyang sasabihin.”
When asked if Malacañang had set conditions or safeguards for Co’s possible surrender, Castro underscored that such matters are beyond the Palace’s authority.
“Nasa kamay na po ‘yan ng Ombudsman,” she said.
Castro added that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. remains firm in his directive that those responsible for the anomalous flood control projects must be investigated and held accountable.
“Ang nais lamang ng Pangulo ay lumabas ang katotohanan at kung sino man ang maaaring responsable sa maanomalyang flood control projects ay silang maimbestigahan at mapanagot,” Castro said.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier revealed that Co had sent “surrender feelers” through Catholic priests, who relayed the message to the Office of the Ombudsman.