IN a move to bring former lawmaker Zaldy Co to justice, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the government to pursue an extradition treaty with Portugal. The announcement was made by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.
The directive comes as authorities believe Co, who is facing corruption and malversation charges related to a P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, may be seeking refuge in Portugal.
“The President instructed us to formally apply for an extradition treaty with them, even though there aren’t any existing extradition treaties between our countries yet,” Remulla stated. He added that the government would also coordinate with Interpol to request Co’s repatriation if he is indeed located in Portugal.
Zaldy Co and 15 other individuals, including officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corp., are facing warrants of arrest in connection with the flood control projects controversy. The charges were filed by the Office of the Ombudsman with the Sandiganbayan on November 18 of last year.
Co, a former representative of the Ako Bicol party-list, allegedly left the Philippines for medical reasons amidst the ongoing investigation into budget insertions and flood control projects. He has denied any involvement in corrupt practices.
The Sandiganbayan has already declared Co a “fugitive from justice” and ordered the cancellation of his Philippine passport by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
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