THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now spearheading the efforts to bring former lawmaker Zaldy Co back to the Philippines to face corruption charges, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
In a statement released Tuesday, Remulla clarified that the return of Co, who is currently overseas, will depend on diplomatic channels and legal processes managed by the DFA, rather than the DILG.
“It is no longer under my jurisdiction anymore. That’s up to the DFA. They’re the ones who will take steps through the diplomatic channels to get him,” Remulla said in an interview.
Remulla also noted that the DILG has not yet reported Co to Interpol, as such action would depend on the formal charges filed and the status of the case build-up. “Not yet. We haven’t filed it yet. It depends on the charges that will come out. So we’ll see,” he added.
Co was spotted in Stockholm, Sweden, as of January 15, according to an apostille attached to a petition filed with the Supreme Court, as reported by GMA Integrated News. Arrest warrants have been issued against Co and other officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corp. concerning alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
The Ombudsman filed corruption and malversation of public funds charges against Co and others with the Sandiganbayan on November 18, 2025. These charges are related to an alleged P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. Co has denied these allegations.
Co resigned from his position as a House member after the accusations surfaced and is reportedly in hiding overseas. He was already out of the country when the accusations emerged.
