ML Partyist Rep. Leila de Lima on Friday urged the government to fast-track the deportation of former lawmaker Zaldy Co following his arrest in the Czech Republic, stressing the need for accountability in the multibillion-peso flood control controversy.
In a statement, De Lima said authorities should waste no time in bringing Co back to the Philippines to face the charges against him.
“Dapat harapin na niya ang mga kaso laban sa kanya, panumpaan niya sa tamang forum ang mga alegasyon niya, at isiwalat sa mga imbestigasyon ang lahat ng nalalaman niya, kabilang ang mga ebidensyang meron siya ukol sa maanomalyang flood control projects,” she said.
The lawmaker also called for parallel investigations into all allegations linked to the controversy, emphasizing that the pursuit of truth should not be delayed.
“Pagsabay-sabayin natin ang imbestigasyon… hindi dapat itengga ang paghahanap ng katotohanan hanggang #ManagotLahatNgKurakot,” De Lima added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier confirmed that Co was arrested in Prague, Czech Republic after reportedly entering the country without proper documentation. The government is now working to secure his return to the Philippines.
Co, a former Ako Bicol party-list representative and ex-chair of the House appropriations committee, is considered a key figure in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects worth billions of pesos.
The controversy stems from reports of “ghost” or substandard infrastructure projects, misallocation of funds, and alleged kickbacks involving several contractors and public officials.
Co resigned from Congress in 2025 after being implicated in the scandal and had been out of the country prior to his arrest. He has also made allegations involving other high-ranking officials in connection with supposed budget insertions tied to flood control projects.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Co could be returned to the Philippines within one to three weeks as authorities coordinate legal processes for his deportation.
