The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday stated that the deportation of fugitive former lawmaker Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co from Portugal is unlikely, noting that the Philippine government is instead focusing on extradition and international legal cooperation.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla explained that because Co reportedly holds a Portuguese passport—acquired through a “Golden Visa” investment—the European nation is not expected to deport him as a persona non grata.
“Deportation is improbable because he is a documented resident or citizen there,” Remulla said during a press briefing.
“We are now exploring the legal framework for extradition, even in the absence of a formal treaty, as well as coordinating with Interpol.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reportedly ordered the DILG and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to use “any legal means” to return the former Ako Bicol Party-list representative to the Philippines.
Co, the former House Appropriations Chairman, fled the country last year after being implicated in a massive corruption scandal involving over P100 billion in “ghost” flood control projects and alleged budget insertions.
He faces multiple charges, including plunder, graft, and direct bribery.
While authorities believe Co is currently in Portugal, Remulla noted that they have not ruled out the possibility that the former congressman may have already moved to another jurisdiction or even covertly returned to the Philippines.
The Philippine government has already moved to cancel Co’s Philippine passport and has requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice for his immediate arrest.
“No matter where he is in the world, we will find him,” Remulla added. “The process may be complex due to international law, but the mandate is clear: he must answer for these allegations before Philippine courts.”
