PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed on Wednesday that resigned congressman Zaldy Co has attempted to negotiate with the government to retain his passport, even as he faces an arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan. Marcos Jr. accused Co of blackmail, stating that Co’s lawyer approached the government with a threat: if Co’s passport is cancelled, he would cease releasing videos implicating Marcos Jr., his son Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, and his cousin Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez in corruption related to flood control projects.
Marcos Jr. firmly rejected the alleged blackmail attempt, vowing to proceed with the passport cancellation. “I want you to know, Zaldy, your passport will still be cancelled. You can no longer evade justice,” the President declared.
He reiterated his earlier promise from November 13, that the government would “immediately” cancel Co’s passport once criminal cases were filed against him.
The President also disclosed that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has frozen Co’s assets, including an aircraft worth around P4 billion, along with 3,566 bank accounts, 198 insurance policies, 247 motor vehicles, 178 real properties, and 16 e-wallet accounts, totaling around P12 billion.
Marcos Jr. emphasized the government’s commitment to recovering ill-gotten gains and returning them to the people.
Authorities are preparing to file plunder and anti-graft charges against eight lawmakers who allegedly own construction companies and secured projects with the Department of Public Works and Highways, in violation of ethical standards for public officials.
metrosundaily
