The Supreme Court (SC) is set to take up a petition filed by former lawmaker turned fugitive Zaldy Co as it considers whether his case falls under rules that bar fugitives from seeking judicial relief.
Court spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said on Thursday that Co’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against an Ombudsman resolution recommending charges would be placed on the tribunal’s agenda for deliberation.
The High Court is expected to first determine whether the petition is covered by procedures it adopted in November 2025 governing accused persons considered fugitives from justice.
Under these guidelines, fugitives are defined as individuals who evade prosecution or punishment by leaving or avoiding the jurisdiction, and are generally prohibited from seeking relief from the courts.
Co has remained abroad since leaving the country in 2025 for what he earlier cited as medical reasons, even as criminal complaints were pursued against him.
He faces malversation and graft charges linked to a P289-million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro that was flagged for alleged substandard work.
The Sandiganbayan has already declared Co a fugitive from justice, with government officials saying coordination is underway with Swedish authorities after records showed he was in Stockholm earlier this year.