Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday urged former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co to confront allegations linking him to questionable flood control projects, warning that refusal to return to the Philippines could eventually make him a fugitive.
“You have to face the music, face the charges. If you say you are innocent, then due process is here,” Remulla said in a press briefing.
The justice chief issued the statement after Co stepped down from his post, citing threats to his life and supposed denial of due process. Remulla said he had “kind of expected” the move, believing it was aimed at avoiding pressure from the House of Representatives to return home.
According to Remulla, Co is currently in Spain and has not yet been declared a fugitive, but such status is inevitable if he continues to evade proceedings. “He won’t make any more appearances. He will be a fugitive. Isn’t that how people usually act when they have problems—they disappear?” he remarked.
The Department of Justice confirmed that Co’s resignation will not affect the agency’s request for an Interpol blue notice against him.
Co has been under scrutiny following congressional hearings where he was accused of receiving kickbacks from infrastructure projects. He has denied the allegations but was included in the list of individuals the National Bureau of Investigation recommended for possible charges.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III earlier revoked Co’s travel clearance on September 18.
