DOJ probes Rep. Co’s alleged Spain trip amid corruption inquiry

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) is verifying reports that Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co has traveled to Spain, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Remulla’s statement comes amidst ongoing allegations linking Co to kickbacks from flood control projects and insertions in the national budget, which Co has denied.

“He’s being tracked already. We’re trying to track him and maraming tumutulong ng tao (many people are helping out),” Remulla said in an ambush interview, indicating that authorities are actively monitoring Co’s movements.

Co is currently facing a complaint with the DOJ for graft, malversation, and indirect bribery related to alleged anomalous flood control projects.

Former Bulacan 1st district engineer Henry Alcantara has testified in a Senate inquiry that he worked with former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo in providing commissions from flood control projects to Co, as well as Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, and Caloocan Representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy.

Remulla also confirmed that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order has been issued for Co at the request of Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon. Co has previously maintained that the allegations against him are “false and baseless.”