Zaldy Co was in Sweden, didn’t send emissaries to talk to PH gov’t —lawyer

The lawyer of former congressman Zaldy Co confirmed that the latter had been in Sweden, where he personally signed a petition, and denied that the ex-Ako Bicol solon sent "emissaries" to talk to the Philippine government.

Moreover, attorney Ruy Rondain said he has no information about Co’s current whereabouts, according to Joseph Morong's report on “24 Oras” on Thursday.

“I do know that he was there for a couple of days kasi pinirmahan nga niya ang mga affidavit [because he signed the affidavits]. But that's all I know. I don't know where he was before and after he signed. So that's a government to government thing. So hindi ako nakikialam dyan [I don't meddle in those matters],” Rondain said.

He added that he recently spoke with Co to clarify reports claiming that the former lawmaker sent emissaries to negotiate with the government, which Rondain had already earlier denied.

“Sabi niya wala. Wala daw siyang pinapadala. Itinutuloy pa rin nila. They're still assuming that. So sa akin, false assumption yun [He said he has not sent anyone. But they're continuing to say that...so for me, that's a false assumption],” Rondain said.

“I don't know where someone got that figure na P57 billion. Ang money involved, amount involved sa Sandigan is only P200, P300 million. He will not offer," he added.

Co had filed the petition seeking the Supreme Court's dismissal of the case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against him.

Rondain expressed confidence in the petition, saying its success could pave the way for Co’s return to the country.

"Pag na-dismiss yung cases, yes. Kasi hindi na siya pwede arestuhin."

(If the cases are dismissed, yes, because he can no longer be arrested.)

Meanwhile, several assets linked to Co, including 12 luxury vehicles worth P145 million, may soon be put up for auction.

These vehicles are currently in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure compound.

Some water assets, such as yachts and boats allegedly connected to anomalous transactions, have been frozen.

An auction for eight luxury vehicles owned by contractors Pacifico and Sara Dizcaya is scheduled on February 11. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News