Filipinos based in the United States are being called on to help track down Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who is facing questions in the Philippines over alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
US-based Filipino Ree Cabay made the appeal through a Facebook post that has since drawn nearly 7,000 shares and 6,000 likes. Cabay asked fellow Filipinos to report Co’s whereabouts to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying he should return to Manila to face the ongoing Senate investigation.
“If you happen to see this individual, please report it to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at 1-866-347-2423. He must return to the Philippines and face the ongoing Senate investigation into the serious allegations of corruption,” Cabay said.
She stressed that if Co truly had nothing to hide, he should have stayed in the Philippines to answer the allegations directly. “Evading accountability while enjoying the comforts of the US is an injustice to the 120 million Filipinos who deserve honest and responsible leadership,” she added.
In another part of her post, Cabay wrote: “Let’s do the right thing for our country. If you know where he is or if he’s staying with someone you know, please encourage him to return and face due process. Do not help shield him from responsibility.”
She also underscored the emotional toll of the controversy: “Let’s stand up for truth, justice, and the Filipino people. Remember our fellow countrymen are suffering from flooding while this corrupt official (allegedly) is swimming on people’s money. The best thing we can do is send him back to PH.”
Co, who once chaired the House appropriations committee, stepped down earlier this year citing health reasons. Reports say he is currently in the US for medical treatment.
The controversy stems from allegations linking him to questionable budget insertions and the participation of Sunwest Construction and Development Corp.—a company he co-founded—in flood control projects.
House Speaker Faustino Dy III has already canceled Co’s travel clearance and ordered him to return to the country within 10 days of receiving a formal notice.
