The Office of the Ombudsman intends to subpoena former lawmaker Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co as soon as he returns to Philippine jurisdiction.
- Co is currently in Czech custody after being denied entry at the German border.
- He faces charges of malversation through falsification related to a P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
- Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida is coordinating with Czech authorities to finalize legal requirements for Co’s deportation.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated during a press briefing on Tuesday that investigations are ongoing. He clarified that once Co is under the office’s jurisdiction, he will be subpoenaed to explain the matters under investigation.
Remulla described Co as a “fugitive from justice,” noting that such individuals have no right to defend themselves against active cases unless they submit to the jurisdiction of the court.
Legal Charges and the Oriental Mindoro Project
In November 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman filed a malversation through falsification case against Co and several others before the Sandiganbayan. The case involves a P289.5-million road dike construction project in Oriental Mindoro.
The trial includes nine other accused individuals: Gerald Pacanan, Gene Ryan Altea, Ruben Santos Jr., Juliet Calvo, Dennis Abagon, Dominic Serrano, Montrexis Tamayo, Lerma Cayco, and Felisardo Casuno. The prosecution presented its final witness in the case on April 7.
Diplomatic Efforts for Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed resolve to bring Co back to the Philippines, stating that the former lawmaker “will answer to the Filipino people.”
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro noted that the government is being cautious with public statements to protect diplomatic relations with the Czech Republic. She urged the public to allow government agencies to work through the “intervention” performed by Czech authorities.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida stated he was prepared to fly to the Czech Republic to hold face-to-face meetings with local authorities. These meetings aim to “flesh out” the legal requirements necessary for the former Ako Bicol Party-list representative’s deportation.
Addressing claims from Senator JV Ejercito regarding potential death threats against Co during his repatriation, Undersecretary Castro asserted that such claims are unfounded. She stated there has been no evidence presented to support these threats and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the safety of all Filipinos returning to the country.
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