Representative Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol Party List.
FORMER Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co faces potential contempt charges and an arrest warrant if he fails to appear before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) hearing on Tuesday regarding alleged anomalous flood control projects.
ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka stated on Monday that the commission will petition the court to cite Co in contempt if he does not attend the October 14 hearing, as mandated by a subpoena. If the court grants the petition, an arrest warrant could be issued against Co, who is reportedly out of the country. “That’s a process… there’s no contempt power by the ICI. The process is pupunta kami sa korte. If the court grants the petition,” Hosaka explained.
The ICI issued a subpoena to Co last week, requiring him to testify about his knowledge of budget insertions and flood control projects, which he previously oversaw as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. He was also directed to bring relevant contracts and documents. Hosaka noted that Co has not yet responded to the subpoena.
The situation is further complicated by Co’s absence from the country. Outgoing Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has suggested that Co may be in Spain and that his continued refusal to return could make him a “fugitive” from justice. The ICI has already recommended that the Ombudsman file graft, malversation, and falsification charges against Co and other DPWH officials in connection with a P289.5-million road dike project.
