Zaldy Co plunder complaint submitted for resolution —DOJ

The plunder complaint filed against former Ako Bicol Party-List Representative Zaldy Co before the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been submitted for resolution, Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said Friday.

“As for the plunder case against former Representative Zaldy Co, the DOJ reports that it is now submitted for resolution,” he said in a briefing.

Aside from plunder, the complaint against Co alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. 

Co, who went abroad for medical reasons in 2025, has yet to return to the country amid the malversation and graft charges filed against him over the P289 million substandard road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.

The Sandiganbayan has declared the former official a “fugitive from justice.”

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that Co supposedly sent feelers to priests to initiate a dialogue with the government.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, meanwhile, said he told the supposed emissaries that Co must be willing to return billions of pesos to the country’s coffers if he was serious about talking with the government.

Co’s camp has disowned alleged feelers from Co.

When asked if the possible return will affect Co's ongoing cases, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said that while restitution can be considered, it is not the precondition for submission to the program.

“We first have to evaluate kung ano ‘yung sasabihin niya. Kung makakatulong ba ito sa kaso. Of course, kung mag a-apply sila. For them to be considered, they have to determine, more than whatever amounts they would return, eh ‘yung sasabihin ba nila is material doon sa kaso,” Fadullon said.

(We first have to evaluate what he will say. Whether it can help the case. Of course, if they apply. For them to be considered, they have to determine that, beyond whatever amounts they would return, what they will say is material to the case.)

Based on the apostille attached to his petition, Co was in Stockholm, Sweden on January 15. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the government will coordinate with Swedish authorities. —LDF, GMA Integrated News