Lawmakers are expressing optimism that the recent arrest of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co will help uncover critical details in the country’s ongoing flood control corruption scandal.
Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon, who previously chaired the House Committee on Infrastructure, welcomed the development following confirmation that Co is now in custody in the Czech Republic.
Ridon had led congressional inquiries into alleged irregularities in several infrastructure projects, where Co was identified as a key figure.
In a statement released late Thursday, April 16, Ridon stressed that Co’s return to the Philippines would be a crucial step toward accountability.
“Inaasahan natin na sa pagbabalik ni dating Rep. Zaldy Co sa bansa, makapagbibigay siya ng dagdag na impormasyon ukol sa mga pangyayari sa mga nagdaang maanomalyang flood control projects sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa,” Ridon stated.
From Fugitive to Custody
The arrest was earlier confirmed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who said Czech authorities apprehended Co after he allegedly entered the country without valid travel documents. Prior to this, Co had been classified as a fugitive following the filing of multiple cases against him before the Sandiganbayan.
Ridon noted that legal proceedings can now move forward, giving the former lawmaker the opportunity to address the allegations directly.
“Mabibigyan din siya ng pagkakataong harapin ang mga kasong nakasampa sa kanya sa Sandiganbayan,” Ridon said. “Aantabayanan natin ang mga susunod na kaganapan hanggang makabalik siya sa bansa.”
The House Committee on Infrastructure conducted two high-profile hearings last year into what has been described as the country’s “flood control mess.” However, the inquiry was later suspended after the administration formed the Independent Commission on Infrastructure to take over the investigation.
With Co now under custody, pressure is mounting on authorities to fully expose the scope of alleged irregularities in multi-billion peso flood control projects—funds originally intended to protect communities from natural disasters.
Officials say Co’s potential testimony could play a key role in clarifying how the projects were implemented and whether public funds were misused.