Manila, Philippines — December 5, 2025
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla called on overseas Filipinos on Monday to help locate former representative and international fugitive Zaldy Co, who is facing allegations in one of the country’s largest corruption scandals.
During a press briefing at Malacañang, Remulla urged Filipinos abroad to report sightings of Co. “If anyone sees Zaldy Co, please take a photo and post it online so we can have an idea of his whereabouts,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. previously encouraged Co to return to the Philippines, assuring the public that the ongoing investigation into flood control projects will reach a meaningful conclusion. Co has been implicated in a major corruption case involving alleged “ghost” flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as budget insertions during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
Remulla stated that Co is believed to be in Portugal and may hold dual citizenship, complicating efforts to repatriate him. “We suspect he holds two passports. That is where the complication arises,” he explained.
Authorities are taking a whole-of-government approach to ensure Co’s arrest. The DILG, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice, and the Office of the Ombudsman are coordinating to secure a successful repatriation. Details of the process are being finalized by the DFA.
Remulla emphasized that those involved in the ghost project controversy within the Philippines will face arrest once the Ombudsman issues warrants, following proper protocols. “Capturing them is not the issue — they are in the Philippines. It is the wheels of justice turning,” he said.
He also reiterated plans to apprehend the “bigger fish” linked to the corruption scandal, signaling ongoing efforts to hold all parties accountable.