President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rejected an attempt by fugitive ex-Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Zaldy Co to blackmail the government into halting the cancellation of his passport. The President reaffirmed the government’s resolute commitment to its anti-corruption drive, announcing major developments in the ongoing investigation into the multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal.
“I do not negotiate with criminals,” President Marcos stated in his latest video message, underscoring the seriousness of the cases filed against Co and others implicated in the corruption.
The President revealed that Co’s legal counsel reached out to authorities, proposing that Co would cease making further destabilizing claims through social media videos in exchange for the non-cancellation of his passport.
“Kahit maglabas ka na ng video ng lahat ng kasinungalingan mo na pag-destabilize sa gobyerno. Gusto kong malaman mo Zaldy makakansela pa rin ang passport mo. Hindi ka na makakatakas sa hustisya (Even if you release a video of all your lies to destabilize the government, I want you to know, Zaldy, your passport will still be canceled. You will not escape justice),” the President stressed.
Zaldy Co is currently facing a warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan, along with 15 officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Sunwest Corporation, following their indictment by the Ombudsman for graft and malversation of public funds related to an anomalous PhP289.5 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
In the same address, President Marcos announced two significant advancements in the government’s efforts to recover stolen public funds and hold perpetrators accountable:
- Charges Recommended Against Eight Lawmakers: The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the DPWH have completed their evidence gathering and will recommend that the Ombudsman file charges of plunder, graft, bribery, and conflict of interest against eight current congressmen. These charges stem from their ownership of construction companies that allegedly secured anomalous projects with the DPWH.
- Asset Freeze Hits PhP12 Billion: The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has issued two additional freeze orders against those implicated in the flood control scandal. This action brings the total value of assets frozen to approximately PhP12 billion. This total includes Co’s air assets valued at around PhP4 billion, alongside 3,566 bank accounts, 198 insurance policies, 247 motor vehicles, 178 real properties, and 16 e-wallet accounts.
“Umpisa lang po ito. Mas marami pong asset ay mafo-frozen para maibalik ang pera ng tao sa kanila. Ito po ay ang aming pangako that the money of the people will be given back to the people (This is just the start. More assets will be frozen to return the people’s money to them. This is our promise that the money of the people will be given back to the people),” President Marcos concluded.
The investigation into widespread corruption in the DPWH’s flood control projects was initiated following the President’s directive during his Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. The ICI was subsequently created in September to investigate past infrastructure projects, recommend charges, and propose comprehensive reforms to prevent future corruption.
