Sandiganbayan grants motion to 'hold' Zaldy Co's 16 properties

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MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has officially granted a writ of preliminary attachment against the properties of fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co to secure over P215 million in alleged civil liabilities.

In an order dated March 4, the anti-graft court granted the prosecution's ex parte motion for the issuance of the writ of preliminary attachment over the 16 properties of Co. 

This means that the anti-graft court temporarily takes or holds the property of Co while the case is ongoing. 

According to the rules of court, this ensures that if the plaintiff wins the case, there will still be property that can be used as a payment. 

In this case of Co, the anti-graft court aims to secure potential civil liability arising from alleged fraudulent disbursement of public funds in connection with a P289.4-million alleged fraudulent project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

According to the anti-graft court, the prosecution successfully argued that there is an urgent need to attach Co's assets to ensure the state can recover funds if a judgment is eventually rendered against him.

They pointed out that without an immediate attachment of the accused's properties, the state might struggle to collect on a future judgment, as Co could easily hide or sell his remaining Philippine assets.

Citing an example, the prosecution pointed out, according to the Sandiganbayan: "Indeed, during the hearing on February 11, 2026, the prosecution requested for the exclusion of the property included in their motion and covered by the CCT No. 105015 in Makati City, considering that the same had already been sold sometime in July 2025."

The Sandiganbayan's preliminary attachment order encompasses 16 distinct properties located across various cities. Broken down:

• Eight properties in Pasig City
• Four in Makati City
• Three in Quezon City
• One in Lipa City, Batangas 

These assets, consisting of land parcels, condominium units, and parking slots, are registered either under Co's name alone or held jointly with his spouse, Mylene.

Co departed from the Philippines three months prior to the Office of the Ombudsman filing the case against him with the Sandiganbayan. 

After his passport was cancelled, he was also declared a fugitive by the anti-graft court. 

He is currently facing charges of graft and malversation alongside several co-accused regarding a project located in Oriental Mindoro.