The Philippine government is open to exploring the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to help locate and arrest former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, facing malversation and graft charges linked to alleged flood control anomalies.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said discussions have involved the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“Opo, nakausap po mismo natin ang DFA, ang DOJ at pati na po ang DILG. According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Lazaro, ‘Yes, we can explore UNCAC as it has international cooperation mechanisms but it will have to depend on the country. Countries are obliged to provide as applicable and in accord with domestic law possible mutual legal assistance to each other. However, [the] Presidential UNCAC Inter-Agency Committee with the ES as chair should be convened as it implements and monitors UNCAC,’” she said.
Castro added that while the DOJ has no active coordination with the UN yet, Interpol coordination is ongoing. Meanwhile, the DILG has referred the matter to the Commission for Transnational Crimes.
“Sa parte naman po ng DOJ, base po sa kanila, wala pa pong aktibong ugnayan with UN at invocation of UNCAC. Interpol pa lang po ang coordination, okay. At mula naman po kay Secretary Jonvic [Remulla] sinabi po niya, ‘The matter has been referred to the Commission for Transnational Crimes. I am certain that the option mentioned by Senator Ping is part of the agenda,’” she said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson noted that UNCAC, ratified by the Philippines in 2006, provides a framework for international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting corruption. He cited Article 38, which mandates cooperation between state parties, complementing the Philippines’ request to Interpol for a red notice against Co, whose passport has been canceled.