Zaldy Co’s return to PH to be handled by DFA —SILG Remulla

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is now in charge of the efforts to bring former lawmaker Zaldy Co back to the Philippines.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Remulla pointed out that Co’s return to the country will depend on diplomatic channels and legal processes handled by the DFA rather than his department.

“Hindi na sa akin 'yan. Sa DFA na ‘yan. Sila ang bahalang gumawa ng hakbang sa hanay ng diplomasya para makuha ‘yan,” Remulla said.

(It is no longer under my jurisdiction anymore. That's up to the DFA. They're the ones who will take steps through the diplomatic channels to get him.)

According to Remulla, the DILG has yet to report Co to Interpol, as such an action would depend on the charges formally filed and the status of the case build-up.

“Wala pa. Hindi pa namin pinapasok ‘yun. Depende ‘yan sa mga charges na lalabas. So titignan natin,” he added.

(Not yet. We haven't filed it yet. It depends on the charges that will come out. So we'll see.)

In an exclusive report by GMA Integrated News' Joseph Morong earlier, Co emerged in Stockholm, Sweden at least on January 15 based on an apostille attached to a petition filed with the Supreme Court. 

Arrest warrants have been issued against Co and others, including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corp., over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

On November 18, 2025, the Ombudsman filed corruption and malversation of public funds charges against Co and others with the Sandiganbayan.

The charges are linked to an alleged P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Co has denied the allegations. He has since resigned as a House member and is now reportedly in hiding overseas.

He was out of the country when the accusations surfaced. —AOL, GMA Integrated News