The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has admitted that the forfeiture order covering the air assets of resigned congressman Zaldy Co may take longer than expected, as legal proceedings involving property rights remain pending before the courts, according to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort.

Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Technical Working Group (TWG) member Atty. Renato “Aboy” Paraiso told DZRH News that the process cannot move forward without a formal court order.

Because of the pending legal process, the government cannot yet bring back to the Philippines two helicopters and a private jet currently located abroad.

The aircraft include two AgustaWestland helicopters and a Gulfstream jet reportedly stationed in Malaysia and Singapore. Without a court-issued forfeiture order, authorities cannot repatriate the aircraft despite their frozen status.

Paraiso added that the situation has created an additional financial burden on the government. Since the assets are under freeze orders, the state is now paying for hangar fees and maintenance costs to preserve the aircraft while legal proceedings are ongoing.

According to the ICI Technical Working Group chairman, the total frozen assets linked to Co have reached approximately ₱5 billion.

The investigation is connected to the alleged flood control scandal, which has prompted scrutiny of multiple high-value assets.

Earlier, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon disclosed that there had been an attempt to de-register three helicopters linked to Co, reportedly to facilitate their sale. However, the attempt was unsuccessful.

Beyond the air assets, the commission is also examining watercraft, paintings, and cryptocurrency holdings of individuals implicated in the controversy.

Land vehicles owned by the former lawmaker are now under the custody of the independent commission in Taguig City.