Gov’t foils attempt to ‘deregister’ Zaldy Co-linked choppers

Authorities have prevented attempts by companies related to resigned Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co to “deregister” three choppers being requested to be frozen.

“Nakatanggap ako ng bagong report sa CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), merong tatlong chopper na sinubukang i-deregister ng mga iba’t ibang kumpanya na konektado kay Congressman Zaldy Co,” Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon told reporters on Tuesday.

(I received a report from CAAP that three choppers were attempted to be deregistered by the various companies connected to Congressman Zaldy Co.)

DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon says the government has foiled an attempt to “de-register” three choppers linked to former Rep. Zaldy Co.

Dizon explains that de-registration with the CAAP is necessary for an asset to be disposed of through sale. | via @Ted_Cordero pic.twitter.com/0T7IN82HIH

— GMA Integrated News (@gmanews) September 30, 2025

“Ang pagkakasabi sa akin ng CAAP, kaya ‘yun dinederegister ay dahil may plano silang ibenta. Dahil hindi mo maibebenta at mabibili ng gustong bumili n’on kung hindi ideregister sa Pilipinas,” the Public Works chief added.

(I was told by CAAP that the reason why it is being deregistered is because they have a plan to sell it. Because you cannot sell it, or it can be purchased by anyone who wants to buy it if it is not deregistered in the Philippines.)

Dizon said the government has prevented the attempt to deregister three choppers linked to Zaldy Co’s companies.

“Ang mahalaga napigilan natin ang ‘pag deregister at may standing order na ang CAAP na lahat ng air assets na na-identify natin hindi pwedeng i-deregister,” the DPWH chief said.

(What’s important is that we have prevented it from being deregistered, and the CAAP already has a standing order that all assets we have identified cannot be deregistered.)

Last week, Dizon announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is requesting the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze billions of pesos worth of air assets registered to companies related to Zaldy Co and his brother Christopher Co.

In particular, a total of $74.650 million worth of aircraft (about P4.3 billion at the current exchange rate), including a $36-million Gulfstream 350 and $16-million Agusta Westland AW1399 are registered under Misibis Aviation, which is led by Zaldy Co's son Michael Ellis.

Choppers registered under Misibis Aviation included two Augusta Westland AW1398 (worth $16 million each), two Bell 4017 (worth $3 million each), and a Bell 206B3 (worth $650,000).

On Monday, Zaldy Co resigned as a member of the House of Representatives amid allegations of massive corruption in connection with flood control projects and insertions in the national budget.

Co has repeatedly denied that he is involved in corruption.

“All I can tell you now is that the accusations being made against me are false. In due time, I will give my statements on the matter. At present, I can only stay silent to protect my family and myself. We are in grave danger,” Co said in his letter to Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III dated September 29. —VAL, GMA News