Amid the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s ongoing investigation into the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) anomalous flood control projects, Atty. Ruy Rondain, former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co’s legal counsel, says he is “deathly afraid” of vigilante violence ensuing.
“Personally, I’m deathly afraid of vigilante violence. Someone who thinks that he’s the moral guardian of the Filipino people will just take a paltik (a crude, homemade firearm), and shoot him anywhere,” Rondain said during a press conference on Wednesday, November 5.
Rondain reasoned that his fear is exacerbated by the hate Co is receiving from the Filipino people.
“Ako personally, ang bigger fear ko is vigilante violence because everyone hates him. That’s the reason I’m here. Again, I don’t litigate in the media, but the reason I’m here is maybe because we can tone down the temperature, we can lower it a little bit,” he explained.
Although he understands the Filipino people’s anger, Rondain appealed to the public to review the evidence. “Lawyers look at corruption as a technical term, hindi ‘yan street term to us,” he said.
Will Co attend the Blue Ribbon probe?
When asked whether the former Ako Bicol Partylist representative is willing to personally attend the Blue Ribbon Committee’s hearings, Rondain said that the former is willing to, as soon as his threat to life is evaded.
“Again, he will as soon as his threat to life is evaded…look around you, ang dami, it’s all over social media. I'm not tech savvy, [and yet,] nakikita ko every day ‘yung mga threat sa kanya: ‘isabit na ‘yan, bitayin na ‘yan, etc.,” he stated.
Moreover, he said that Co is not running away from the said probe, as he had flown to the United States earlier this year for medical reasons.
“He flew out as early as February, I think? So, hindi siya tumakbo, let’s get that clear. Again, let’s redirect the narrative,” he said.
Despite this, before the press briefing began, Rondain clarified that he does not know anything about Co’s whereabouts, stating, “I do not know where he is because I never asked him where he is. It is not relevant for his defense.”
“I never asked because I don’t want to have to lie to any of you when you ask me that question as to where he is,” he added.
