By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has temporarily suspended judicial proceedings in the graft case involving former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co after authorities failed to arrest him months after a warrant was issued.
In a resolution of the Sandiganbayan’s Seventh Division, the anti-graft court directed that the case be placed in its archives, citing the court’s inability to exercise jurisdiction over Co while he remains beyond the reach of law enforcement.
Court records showed that the warrant for Co’s arrest was issued in November 2025 in connection with alleged irregularities involving flood control projects. More than six months later, authorities have yet to take him into custody.
The court stressed that archiving the case does not amount to a dismissal. Instead, the proceedings are merely suspended until the accused is apprehended and brought under the court’s jurisdiction. Once that happens, the case may be restored to the active docket and litigation will continue.
The Seventh Division also took note of a report submitted by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Agent-on-Case Rehom Pimentel, who informed the court that repeated attempts to locate Co at the addresses listed in the arrest warrant were unsuccessful.
During the June 24 proceedings, prosecutors likewise acknowledged that they had no updated information regarding Co’s whereabouts beyond what had already been submitted to the court.
The charges stem from alleged anomalies involving government-funded flood control projects, an investigation that has drawn significant public attention amid broader scrutiny of infrastructure spending.
Earlier this year, Malacañang disclosed that Co had reportedly sought political asylum in France, claiming he was being subjected to political persecution. Philippine authorities have yet to announce any development regarding his possible return to the country.
With the accused still outside the court’s jurisdiction, the case will remain inactive until law enforcement authorities can enforce the outstanding warrant.
ia/xf
