The Sandiganbayan has denied former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co’s bid to overturn its earlier declaration labeling him a “fugitive from justice.”
In a 10-page resolution dated March 5 but released Friday, the Sixth Division ruled that Co’s motion lacked merit and was filed beyond the reglementary period.
Court records showed his legal team received the resolution on February 3, giving them until February 9 to file a motion for reconsideration. The plea, however, was submitted only on February 18.
“Thus, he only had until February 9, 2026 – February 8 being a Sunday – within which to file his Motion for Reconsideration,” the resolution, penned by Division Chairperson Sarah Jane Fernandez, stated.
Co’s lawyers argued that he did not leave the country to evade prosecution, but the court said this issue had already been addressed in its prior ruling.
“Although accused Co was shown to have left the Philippines on August 6, 2025, or around three months before the filing of the Information in the present case, his continued absence, and his failure, if not refusal, to return, surrender, and disclose his whereabouts despite knowledge of the present case against him clearly indicates his desire and intent to evade law enforcement and the judicial processes,” the resolution read.
“There is ground to consider accused Co a fugitive from justice,” it added.
The court previously stressed that the “fugitive” designation bars Co from participating in proceedings or seeking judicial relief until he voluntarily surrenders.
Co faces graft and malversation charges tied to an allegedly anomalous road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. His co-accused — Gerald Pacanan, Gene Altea, Ruben Delos Santos Jr., Dominic Serrano, Lerma Cayco, Felisardo Casuno, Dennis Abagon, Juliet Calvo, and Montrexis Tamayo — have all pleaded not guilty.
The malversation trial opened this week and will resume on March 17 and 19. Meanwhile, the Fifth Division is handling the graft case, where prosecution and defense teams have begun marking additional evidence.