Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to request an Interpol “blue notice” for Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who is facing allegations of involvement in the multibillion-peso flood control scam.
“Yes, I confirm this. The SOJ (secretary of justice) has already given the instructions to apply for a Blue Notice from the Interpol through our local offices,” DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said Friday, September 26. He explained in a One News PH report that the directive was based on the findings of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee and the recommendation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to prosecute Co.
A blue notice does not call for arrest but alerts law enforcement across Interpol’s member states to share information about a person’s identity, location, and activities. Remulla said the request is meant to tag Co as a “person of interest” and gather details about his whereabouts, noting that reports indicate he is currently in Europe—possibly in Spain or France.
The DOJ confirmed that its National Prosecution Service will pursue case buildup against Co and 20 others for alleged graft, bribery, and malversation. Testimony before the Senate linked Co to P1 billion in alleged kickbacks delivered in suitcases and P35 billion worth of questionable flood control project insertions from 2022 to 2025.
House Speaker Faustino Dy has given Co until Monday, September 29, to return and face the allegations, warning that refusal would trigger disciplinary and legal actions. Dy assured the lawmaker that his safety would be coordinated with authorities but stressed that accountability requires his physical appearance.
In his reply, Co denied receiving any DPWH funds and said he intends to face the charges, but expressed fear for his and his family’s safety. “I received no funds in connection with DPWH projects. I hope that, when I return to the Philippines, I would be afforded due process and that you would ensure the safety of my family and me,” he said.
Adding to the controversy, Co’s son Ellis publicly urged him to come home and be accountable. “I condemn corruption in all its forms… I am deeply ashamed, and I wish for nothing but the truth to come out. There is no excuse. I firmly believe that anyone who is proven guilty of these crimes should be held accountable and should face the proper consequences. That includes my dad,” Ellis said in a statement.
Meanwhile, affidavits from Co’s former personal assistants contradicted earlier claims of cash deliveries, while Senate hearings heard fresh testimony from drivers who admitted transporting suitcases of alleged kickbacks linked to other DPWH officials. Lawmakers have since renewed calls for deeper reforms—or even dismantling—of the DPWH to end entrenched corruption.
