By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Authorities are pursuing a former party-list lawmaker accused of involvement in a multibillion-peso corruption scheme linked to flood control projects, with investigators now seeking an international alert for his arrest.
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation complaints against former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co and 17 other individuals, including officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and executives connected to construction firm Sunwest Inc.
According to the complaint, Co allegedly manipulated government bidding processes to favor Sunwest Inc., a company investigators said he had ownership ties with. Authorities claim the arrangement allowed the firm to secure several flood control contracts funded by the government.
Records from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) allegedly show that Co received around P802 million in transactions from Sunwest Inc. between 2019 and 2025, which investigators believe may be linked to kickbacks from infrastructure projects.
Law enforcement agencies said Co’s current location remains unknown, though authorities believe he may have left the country and could be staying abroad. Investigators are reportedly looking into possible travel to European countries where he may hold a passport.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has requested the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice to help locate and provisionally arrest Co should he be found outside the Philippines. A Red Notice alerts law enforcement agencies in Interpol’s member countries that a person is wanted in connection with criminal charges.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier expressed confidence that authorities would eventually locate and apprehend the former lawmaker.
The case has drawn public attention and renewed calls for stricter oversight of government infrastructure projects, particularly those involving flood control funds.
If the Red Notice is issued, authorities in any of Interpol’s member countries may detain Co pending coordination with Philippine law enforcement for possible extradition.
The NBI said it continues to coordinate with international partners as part of efforts to locate the fugitive and ensure he faces the charges filed against him.
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