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Former congressman Zaldy Co breaks his silence in a video sent to media yesterday, alleging a presidential directive to insert P100 billion worth of projects into the 2025 national budget.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — A plunder complaint has been filed against fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, a case now among those under preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, January 5, Martinez said one of the seven cases before the DOJ includes a plunder complaint against Co.
“One pertains to plunder, which is against Ako-Bicol Representative Zaldy Co,” Martinez said.
Martinez said no counsel appeared on Co’s behalf during the proceedings.
As a result, the prosecution panel gave Co until January 15 to submit his counter-affidavit.
“We’re working with a timeline here and any respondent for that matter, if they do or do not appear, we will proceed in accordance with the timeline under the rules,” Martinez said.
Other cases in the Bulacan probe
The preliminary investigation also covers complaints against former Sen. Bong Revilla and Sen. Joel Villanueva, both of whom have denied involvement in the alleged anomalous construction projects in Bulacan.
Martinez earlier said the cases under review include allegations of direct bribery, corruption of public officials, malversation through falsification, and violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
On December 10, the Sandiganbayan declared Co a fugitive from justice, citing what it described as a pattern of noncompliance and avoidance indicating an intent to evade prosecution.
The anti-graft court also ordered the cancellation of Co’s passport, along with those of three other individuals linked to the flood control scandal.
