Who is Zaldy Co? 

Former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co again made the news following his arrest and detention in Prague, Czech Republic, more than a month after the Sandiganbayan considered him a fugitive from justice.

Co began his foray into politics as a representative of the Ako Bicol party-list, which won three seats in Congress. 

In 2022, he was appointed chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, making him a central figure in the shaping of the national budget.

As head of the influential committee panel, he oversaw the allocation of billions of pesos in public funds and funding for infrastructure, regional development programs, and social services.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Maki Pulido on Friday, Co and former House Speaker Romualdez were accused of manipulating the national budget during their term.

The accusations came amid moves to block the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President.

This led to the removal of more than P168 billion in unprogrammed appropriations and more than P26 billion worth DPWH projects by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Following this, Co resigned from his post as House Appropriations Committee chair for health reasons.

He also skipped the 2025 State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed the flood control anomalies.

Investigations later revealed that Co’s family is involved with Sunwest Corporation - a firm which he had established in 1997 and is now owned by his immediate family members,

Following Romualdez’s resignation from his post as House Speaker, successor Faustino Dy III had revoked Co’s travel clearance and ordered his return to the country in 10 days.

On September 29, 2025, however, Co resigned from the House of Representatives amid allegations of massive corruption in connection with flood control projects and insertions in the national budget, accusations that he repeatedly denied while abroad.

He cited alleged threats to his life, and that he had divested from Sunwest Corporation.

His resignation came after the now-defunct Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended that the Office of the Ombudsman file graft, malversation, and falsification charges against him and others.

In November 2025, Co had released a series of videos claiming that he had been ordered by Marcos to insert P100 billion into the national budget and had delivered suitcases of money to the President and the former House Speaker.

 Malacañang has since denied the allegations.

Co is one of the 16 individuals facing charges of graft and malversation in connection with the alleged substandard P289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro built by Sunwest Corporation - a firm owned by his immediate family members. 

The Anti-Money Laundering Council alleged that Co received P802 million through cheque deposits drawn from Sunwest accounts from 2019 to 2025.

The period covers Co’s tenure as a lawmaker, which means he is prohibited by law from having business interests as a public official. 

Co was later reported to have left for New York in the United States, citing medical treatment. Since then, the lawmaker was reportedly found in various countries such as Japan and Portugal.

The Sandiganbayan later declared Co a fugitive from justice. 

Co finished his degree in computer engineering from AMA University in 1992 and obtained a post graduate degree in business administration from Aquinas University (now UST-Legazpi) in 1998. 

According to his official Facebook page, Co ventured into construction prior to his stint in politics. He served as director of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. 

Co is married to Mylene Recinto. They have four children, including Ellis, who is a fashion designer.  

After several months in hiding, Co was arrested at the German border after crossing from the Czech Republic. He had no proper documentation and was placed in the custody of Czech authorities.

Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida however said on Monday, April 27 (Prague time) that Co is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities.

"I have to share difficult news. Czech authorities have informed us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody," Vida said in a news briefing in Prague.

The acting justice secretary said Co is still in the Schengen area. Asked where the former lawmaker went and which part of the Czech Republic he exited, Vida said the information was not relayed to them. —with Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF/VBL/KG, GMA News