By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — With his whereabouts finally confirmed by authorities, former Ako Bicol representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co has broken his silence, saying he is willing to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to reveal alleged corruption in government, particularly in infrastructure projects nationwide.
The sectoral lawmaker was reportedly arrested last week and is now in the custody of Czech authorities, as announced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday evening, April 16.
Co was allegedly attempting to cross into Germany when he was intercepted and sent back to his point of origin after failing to present valid travel documents, with his passport already canceled under a Sandiganbayan order.
Despite his detention in Prague, the former congressman stated in a short video posted on social media, saying he is ready to expose details about the flood control controversy and willing to face imprisonment, provided that those he claims are the “real” masterminds are also held accountable.
“Hindi na ako mananahimik (I will no longer be silent),” Co said, hinting that two high-ranking government officials may be involved in the scandal.
“Handa akong isiwalat ang lahat ng aking nalalaman—ang buong katotohanan (ukol sa mga anomalya sa mga flood control project),” he added.
“Ibubunyag ko ang lahat ng aking nalalaman sa sistematikong pag-abuso sa pondo ng bayan at kung sinu-sino ang mga nasa likod nito, kabilang ang dalawang matataas na opisyal ng gobyerno na umano’y pasimuno ng katiwalian,” he continued.
He concluded: “Kapag ako humarap sa Blue Ribbon Committee, ilalatag ko ang lahat, wala akong itatago. Kung ang kapalit nito ay ang aking pagkakakulong, handa akong panagutan basta’t makasama ko sa pananagutan ang tunay na mga mastermind.”
Meanwhile, despite what he described as a complex choice between deportation and extradition, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. said he expects Co’s return to the Philippines within one to three weeks.
In a press briefing, Remulla said the former lawmaker could be brought home “maybe as little as one week, but as long as three weeks,” depending on coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
He made the remark with some caution, referring to DFA officials as “the elite here, not me, I’m just in coordination.”
Remulla acknowledged possible complications in bringing Co back, noting that deportation proceedings are tied to the cancellation of his passport. He added that despite international efforts to locate him, Co appeared unconcerned and was allegedly traveling without valid documents.
The former solon was reportedly moving between countries after being unable to stay long in Portugal, where he is said to hold a “gold” passport, and had earlier gone into hiding.
“His last sighting was in Italy three weeks ago. Now, he was caught in the Czech Republic,” Remulla said, adding that once Co returns to the country, he will be immediately brought to arraignment before the Sandiganbayan, which issued the arrest warrants.
Co faces multiple criminal charges, including graft and malversation of public funds, in connection with a ₱289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. He will later be detained at Camp Crame after court proceedings.
Despite Remulla’s optimism about Co’s return, legal experts warned that the process could be delayed if the former lawmaker seeks political asylum.
Attorneys Trixie Cruz-Angeles and Barry Gutierrez said documentation issues may lead to deportation, but extradition is unlikely due to the absence of a treaty and the pending Interpol red notice.
Both also noted that asylum claims—combined with Co’s reported Portuguese citizenship—could further slow repatriation. Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong added that Co may be exploring legal avenues to complicate his return to the Philippines.
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