The Philippine government has drawn a hard line in its pursuit of former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, with Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla declaring that no dialogue will occur unless the fugitive lawmaker returns “billions of pesos” to the national treasury.
Speaking at a forum in Manila on Monday, Remulla confirmed he has relayed this message to intermediaries representing Co.
The former House Appropriations Chairman is currently facing graft and malversation charges related to alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Remulla emphasized that any discussion regarding Co’s legal status or potential surrender must begin with the recovery of public funds.
He stated he has already provided intermediaries with a specific figure, totaling billions of pesos, as a starting point. “What will we talk about? We will have nothing to talk about if they are not willing to restitute,” Remulla told reporters.
While the specific case in the Sandiganbayan involves a P289-million project in Oriental Mindoro, the government believes the scope of the anomalies—and the required restitution—is significantly larger.
Co was officially declared a fugitive from justice by the Sandiganbayan after failing to return to the Philippines following an authorized medical trip in 2025.
Recent intelligence reports place Co in Stockholm, Sweden, as of mid-January. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), led by Secretary Jonvic Remulla, has been coordinating with international authorities to track his movements across Europe.
Secretary Remulla previously echoed the Ombudsman’s sentiment, suggesting that a figure as high as $1 billion (approx. P59 billion) should be the baseline for any serious plea bargain discussions.
The allegations against Co involve the use of his former position to influence budget “insertions” and the awarding of contracts to favored firms.
Co has consistently denied these claims, alleging that he is a victim of political persecution and accusing other high-ranking officials of budget manipulation—claims
Malacañang has dismissed as “hearsay.”
With the Ombudsman’s latest ultimatum, the ball is now in Co’s court to decide whether to provide the requested restitution or remain abroad as a fugitive.