Gov’t hunts for Zaldy Co’s jets in Singapore, Malaysia 

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to coordinate with their counterparts in Singapore and Malaysia to locate aircraft believed to belong to fugitive former representative Zaldy Co. The air assets, listed under Co’s firm, Misibis Aviation and Development Corp., are suspected to be located in those countries.

“You cannot steal from Filipino people and expect to hide or fly away on your private jets. You have the money to run, but you cannot outrun the Republic of the Philippines,” Marcos said in a recorded video message, addressing Co directly.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council had previously secured a freeze order covering Co’s aircraft, preventing their mobilization. Marcos urged Co to return to the country and face the charges against him, warning other fugitives that they are being pursued by the law. “Kaya kayong mga pugante, umuwi na kayo! Ang payo ko sa inyo, hindi na kayo turista. Hinahabol na kayo ng batas,” he said.

Marcos’s remarks come after Co publicly accused the president of ordering a P100-billion insertion into the 2025 national budget. Co, who has left the country, has released videos alleging corruption by the Marcos family. The presidential family has denied the claims, dismissing Co’s allegations as baseless.

Co is currently facing an arrest warrant in connection with the flood control scam in Negros Oriental.