PH gov’t to ensure safety of Zaldy Co — Palace

The Philippine government will ensure the safety and protection of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, Malacañang said Tuesday.

At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked whether the government could guarantee Co’s safety and shield him from pressure or influence once he returns to Manila.

Castro said authorities must first establish whether there are credible threats against Co, who has been charged in connection with alleged flood control anomalies.

“Bago po muna tayo magbigay ng assurance, definitely naman, lahat naman po ng Pilipino ay dapat safe na bumabalik sa Pilipinas — iyan naman po ang assurance ng pamahalaan," she said.

(Before giving assurances, every Filipino should be able to return to the country safely — that is the government’s guarantee.)

"Pero dapat tingnan muna po natin kung saan nanggagaling iyong sinasabing death threats. Mayroon na po bang naipakita? Mayroon na po bang nai-blotter?” Castro added.

(But we must first determine the source of these alleged death threats. Has any evidence been presented? Has any report been filed?)

She added that without proof of threats, any assurance would lack basis.

“Dapat doon muna tayo magsimula — may death threats nga ba? Kasi how can you assure somebody of safety kung wala namang threat?” she said.

(We should start there — are there really death threats? How can you assure someone of safety if there is no threat?)

“Nevertheless, the government will always ensure the safety and necessary protection to be given to Zaldy Co,” Castro added.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier said Co, who is currently in the custody of authorities in the Czech Republic, will be brought back to the Philippines in accordance with the law.

Marcos also said Co “will answer to the Filipino people.”

The President has instructed the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure due process is followed in facilitating Co’s return to the country.

Co is among 16 individuals facing graft and malversation charges in connection with a P289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, undertaken by Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., a firm owned by his immediate family members.

Co has denied the allegations.—MCG, GMA News