Manila, Philippines — During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed the alarming issue of anomalous and ghost flood control projects cited as the reason behind the worsening flood situations.
Immediately after, Marcos ordered the nationwide investigation against construction companies and government officials that may be linked with the corruption scandal.
At the height of the investigation, former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co left the country over a overseas medical leave in August, before his name was eventually implicated in the flood control mess.
His family’s Sunwest Corp was among the companies investigated over ghost and substandard projects, and was later tagged by DPWH officials over receiving millions of kickbacks from infrastructure projects.
Co should have returned by September, but handed in his resignation instead as a house member amid his further implication on the budget insertion issue as the then chairperson of House Committee on Appropriations.
After months of silence, Co revealed a series of videos alleging Marcos of ordering the inclusion of budget insertions himself, as well as said the truth behind the corruption scheme.
Aiming to force Co to return, his Philippine Passport was eventually cancelled in December, and was declared as a fugitive from Justice in February of the present year over graft and malversation charges.
After almost 8 months of hiding, Co is set to possibly return after his reported arrest.
On Thursday night, Marcos confirmed Co’s arrest in Prague and is currently in detention after trying to cross the Czech Republic without proper documentation.
Marcos said that the Philippines is now in coordination with the said country to adhere with the legal process for Co’ extradition at the earliest time possible.
In connection, DILG secretary Jonvic Remulla said that Co may be repatriated in 1 to 3 weeks.
Remulla detailed that Co was arrested after not possessing a passport and travel documents as he tried to cross another country.
Meanwhile, the Makabayan Bloc welcomed the reported news of his arrest as it opens the door for him to finally face the charges against him.
They added that Co’s repatriation will clarify things about the controversy, including his allegations against Marcos.
In a statement, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said that the Blue ribbon Committee is open to restart the inquiry and summon Co to testify.
Presently, DFA and other Philippine agencies have not yet confirmed the arrest, and is still in coordination with Philippine embassies to confirm the report.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News