Representative Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol Party List.
THE recent arrest of former lawmaker Zaldy Co in Prague, Czech Republic, has ignited strong calls from legislators for his swift deportation and immediate face-off with the charges he faces in the Philippines.
Both Representative Leila de Lima and Representative Toby Tiangco have publicly urged the government to expedite Co’s return to the country, emphasizing the need for him to answer allegations of his involvement in a massive corruption scandal, particularly concerning anomalous flood control projects.
De Lima stressed that upon his return, Co must not only face the charges against him but also be compelled to reveal all he knows about the alleged corrupt dealings.
“Dapat harapin na nya ang mga kaso laban sa kanya, panumpaan nya sa tamang forum yung mga alegasyon nya, at isiwalat sa mga imbestigasyon ang lahat-lahat ng mga nalalaman nya maging mga ebidensyang meron sya ukol sa maanomalyang flood control projects,” de Lima stated. She further advocated for a parallel investigation into all allegations involving Co, asserting that the pursuit of truth and accountability for corruption should not be delayed.
Echoing these sentiments, Tiangco hailed Co’s arrest as “very good news,” reiterating his prior stance that Co was at the center of what he described as the “biggest corruption in the history of our country.” Tiangco, who had previously called for the cancellation of Co’s passport, urged the government to dispatch a high-level team to the Czech Republic to facilitate his rapid repatriation. He expressed hope that once back in the Philippines, Co would face corruption and malversation charges and, under oath, identify all his accomplices in the alleged large-scale corruption, as well as assist in the recovery of stolen assets.
