Ombudsman eyes subpoena for Zaldy Co over flood control mess

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla will subpoena former House appropriations panel chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co in the event that Co is arrested by Philippine authorities. 

Remulla, in a press conference, said Co should be able to explain the allegations against him. 

“We will subpoena him to explain matters under investigation [by the Ombudsman],” he said.

“[Acquiring] jurisdiction over his body, over his person, is what we really want to happen. So that we can actually make a very good hearing out of it….so that he can defend himself and so that the justices who are hearing the cases will be able to render the proper judgment,” he added.

Remulla, however, said details of Co’s reported detention in the Czech Republic are best addressed to the Executive department. 

“I was told they will be sending a delegation there to coordinate with the Czech authorities and of course with the EU on this matter. I think that they're leaving anytime,” he said.

“Until he comes back to our jurisdiction, he's still a fugitive from justice, and fugitives from justice have no right to defend themselves when they're in court,” Remulla added.

Co is already facing malversation and two counts of graft charges in connection with an alleged substandard P289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. — BM, GMA News