Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co was vindicated after the Philippine government confirmed it covered the costs of the chartered jet that transported former president Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, Netherlands.
Co had earlier denied rumors linking him to the Gulfstream G550 jet, with tail number RP-C5219, which had sparked widespread online speculation.
“I do not own this aircraft. Social media posts linking me to this jet are completely untrue,” he said.
The congressman had been the target of online posts falsely claiming that he owned the aircraft and was involved with the International Criminal Court (ICC). He swiftly rejected these claims, asserting that he was not in The Hague and had no connection to the ICC.
“I categorically deny the false information circulating online regarding my alleged involvement with the (ICC) and my supposed trip to The Hague… I have no connection to the ICC, nor am I in The Hague, Netherlands,” Co said in a statement.
The congressman clarified that he was abroad for a scheduled meeting in Rome, noting that his travel records showed he flew from Manila to Dubai on March 11, 2025, and then to Rome on March 12, 2025. “Any claims suggesting that I am in The Hague or any location other than Rome are entirely false,” Co said.
The government’s acknowledgment that it funded the chartered jet put to rest the rumors, clearing Co of any wrongdoing. Malacañang confirmed that the flight was part of the government’s effort to assist Interpol in executing the ICC’s arrest warrant against Duterte, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity.
Palace press officer Claire Castro explained that the flight was necessary to fulfill the Philippines’ commitment to the ICC.
“Kung wala naman pong ipo-provide na sasakyan para madala po ang dating pangulo sa ICC, eh parang hindi rin po naging kumpleto ang pagtugon natin sa ating commitment to the Interpol,” she said at a media briefing.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla also confirmed that the government covered the cost of the flight, although Castro declined to disclose the exact amount, citing its connection to a private corporation.
“Maaari po siguro ay hindi ko agad masasabi, kung meron man po ah, dahil meron pong kaugnayan ito sa isang pribadong korporasyon,” she said. (with Paula Valero)