DPWH asks AMLC to freeze aircraft linked to Rep. Co, contractors

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has requested the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze billions of pesos worth of aircraft linked to Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, his brother Christopher Co, and several contractors implicated in the flood control projects scandal.

According to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, the Civil Aviation Authority submitted a list of assets belonging to Misibis Aviation & Development Corp., headed by Co’s son, Michael Ellis, including a $36 million Gulfstream 350 and a $16 million Agusta Westland AW1399, totaling $74.65 million. Christopher Co’s Hi-Tone Construction reportedly owns aircraft worth $7.94 million, while QM Builders, identified by President Marcos as one of the top contractors involved, possesses a $2 million Bell 505 helicopter.

“We will submit this to the AMLC, DOJ, and Independent Commission on Infrastructure for possible freezing,” Dizon stated. “We will not stop until the people’s money is recovered… The President said, recover the people’s money, and this is included.” The DPWH had previously requested an inventory of vehicles, land, ships, and aircraft registered under the names of officials and contractors involved in the alleged anomaly.