Marcos Administration Pursues Global Cooperation to Apprehend Fugitive Ex-Lawmaker Zaldy Co Over ₱289M Flood Control Scam

In a resolute move to uphold accountability beyond borders, the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is vigorously pursuing international cooperation to apprehend fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, accused in the ₱289-million flood control anomaly case.

Under the banner of the Maasahan at Masipag anti-corruption drive, Malacañang has emphasized the utilization of pertinent international frameworks, particularly provisions of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), to track and prosecute Co despite his fugitive status.

The Office of the President, in coordination with the Department of Justice and the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court, has moved to enforce existing arrest warrants issued against Co. These instruments form the cornerstone of legal grounds required to solicit extradition and international arrest assistance.

"We are invoking mechanisms under UNCAC that the Philippines is a party to, ensuring our commitment to suppress corruption transcends national frontiers," said a senior government official. "President Marcos Jr. is steadfast in sending a clear message: Reliable justice. Tireless pursuit. Corruption has no hiding place."

Interpol cooperation is being actively sought as a critical avenue to issue Red Notices for Co’s arrest and to coordinate with foreign law enforcement agencies. This multilateral approach aims to prevent Co from exploiting safe havens abroad and to facilitate his swift return to face justice.

The flood control anomaly case involves allegations that Co orchestrated irregularities and overpricing in flood mitigation projects, resulting in the loss of government funds amounting to ₱289 million. The scandal has drawn widespread attention, spotlighting the administration’s drive to eradicate corruption and hold officials accountable regardless of their rank or influence.

Legal experts have underscored the significance of this campaign as it signals the Marcos administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, reinforcing public confidence in government institutions.

President Marcos Jr. has repeatedly underscored his commitment to reliable enforcement of accountability, stating, "We will not rest until justice is served. Corruption is not just a domestic issue; it’s a global challenge that demands cooperation and resolve."

As the administration pushes these international legal instruments and partnerships, it bolsters the message that errant public officials cannot evade responsibility, no matter where they flee.

The concerted efforts to reclaim lost government funds and prosecute offenders further reflect the administration’s broader goal of restoring integrity and trust in public service, embodying the Maasahan at Masipag credo.

In sum, the Marcos administration’s pursuit of Zaldy Co exemplifies a determined stance — wielding legal frameworks, international collaboration, and judicial mandates as tools to ensure that corruption finds no refuge, echoing the President’s clarion call: "Reliable justice. Tireless pursuit. Corruption has no hiding place."