The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) discovered several allegedly “confidential” documents in the condominium unit of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co during an inspection conducted under a court-issued order, NBI OIC Atty. Lito Magno said.

Magno stressed that the documents cannot be made public until a formal hearing is held. He added that the agency will verify the materials against sworn statements and other evidence already in its possession.

The condo will be inspected over 14 days, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with court personnel and Co’s lawyers present. Authorities are limited to examining items in plain view, with a separate warrant required to open any vaults.

The property had been flagged by whistleblower Orly Guteza, who told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that he delivered suitcases containing alleged kickbacks from flood-control projects there. Former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara also identified the location as a drop-off point for large sums meant for Co.

The NBI said the operation aims to gather evidence of alleged bid rigging in flood-control projects, where certain contractors were reportedly favored in exchange for advance payments.

Co, accused of diverting billions of pesos in the national budget to allegedly fund fraudulent flood relief projects for kickbacks, has been abroad since July.

Arrest warrants have been issued by the Sandiganbayan, but the former lawmaker remains at large.