Lawmakers urge Zaldy Co to ‘tell all’ on flood control anomalies, face cases

Lawmakers on Friday urged former congressman Zaldy Co to fully disclose what he knows about alleged irregularities in flood control projects, as calls intensify for his return to the country to face pending cases.

Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima called on the government to fast-track Co’s deportation following his arrest in Europe.

“With the arrest of Zaldy Co, the Philippine government should waste no time in fast-tracking Co’s deportation. Dapat harapin na niya ang mga kaso laban sa kanya, panumpaan niya sa tamang forum ‘yung mga alegasyon niya, at isiwalat sa mga imbestigasyon ang lahat-lahat ng mga nalalaman niya maging mga ebidensyang meron siya ukol sa maanomalyang flood control projects,” she said in a press statement.

(He should face the cases against him, swear to his allegations in the proper forum, and disclose everything he knows—including evidence—about the anomalous flood control projects.)

“Pagsabay-sabayin natin ang imbestigasyon… hindi dapat itengga ang paghahanap ng katotohanan hanggang managot ang lahat ng kurakot,” she added.

(Investigations should proceed simultaneously… the search for truth should not be delayed until all those involved in corruption are held accountable.)

For his part, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said Co’s testimony may provide additional details on reported irregularities across different regions.

“Inaasahan natin na sa pagbabalik ni dating Rep. Zaldy Co sa bansa, makapagbibigay siya ng dagdag na impormasyon ukol sa mga pangyayari sa mga nagdaang maanomalyang flood control projects,” Ridon said.

(We expect that upon his return, Co can provide more information on anomalous flood control projects in various parts of the country.)

He added that Co should also be given the opportunity to face the cases filed against him before the Sandiganbayan.

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said the arrest of Co is a welcome development as it would be a chance for the latter to answer the allegations regarding the 2025 budget and the flood control projects. 

"As the country continues to deal with the consequences of these projects, one thing is clear: hindi nakakalimot ang taumbayan. May this serve as a reminder that the rule of law must apply to all, including those in power and influence," he said. 

Other lawmakers noted that Co’s return may also allow him to testify further on his earlier claims, including alleged links of high-ranking officials to questionable budget allocations.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said urged the government to send a high-level team to Czech Republic to coordinate the immediate return of Co to the Philippines.

"Ako po ay nanawagan sa ating gobyerno na magpadala ng high-level team sa Czech Republic upang makipag-ugnayan sa mabilisang pag-uwi ni Zaldy Co," he said.

Philippine officials have visited Co in Prague following his arrest, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.

Step toward justice

House Speaker Faustino Dy III welcomed Co’s reported detention in Prague, describing it as a development that could advance accountability efforts.

“The arrest of Mr. Zaldy Co is an important step forward for justice and the rule of law. It sends a clear message that those who attempt to evade the law will be held to account,” Dy said.

He noted that the development reflects the administration’s stance on addressing alleged corruption in flood control projects.

“Malinaw na mula pa sa kanyang SONA, sinabi na ng Pangulo na walang puwang ang katiwalian sa kanyang pamumuno. That accountability must apply to everyone, especially those entrusted with public funds,” he said.

(It has been clear since the President’s SONA that there is no place for corruption in his administration. Accountability must apply to everyone, especially those entrusted with public funds.)

He added that while accountability efforts continue, the House remains focused on other pressing national concerns, including the economic impact of tensions in the Middle East.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier confirmed that Co was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic.

Arrest warrants have been issued against Co and 17 others, including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and directors of Sunwest Corporation, in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed corruption and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan over a reported P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro that prosecutors said was either non-existent or substandard.

The case forms part of a broader probe into alleged kickbacks in flood control projects, an issue first flagged by Marcos during his fourth State of the Nation Address in July 2025. —AOL, GMA News