Sandiganbayan issues warrants: Co’s lawyer says ready for long battle
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday directed law enforcement agencies to immediately enforce arrest warrants against Zaldy Co and 17 others allegedly involved in the multibillion-peso flood control fund scandal.
This came after the Office of the Ombudsman formally filed cases and secured arrest warrants against the former lawmaker, several DPWH officials, and the board of directors of Sunwest Corp. in connection with a P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
The cases stemmed from the complaint filed by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure, based on its comprehensive report on illegalities and irregularities in the procurement, construction, and implementation of projects in Region 4-B (Mimaropa).
“We will arrest them, bring them to court, and hold them accountable under the law,” Mr. Marcos stated.
“No special treatment, no one is spared,” he added.
In a video message, Mr. Marcos said the charges were based on evidence submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“This is not speculation. This is not a story. This is real evidence,” the President said, adding that the warrants may now be viewed publicly.
“You will see on your phone, this is the list of those with arrest warrants,” he added.
Mr. Marcos reiterated that the investigation, initiated under his directive after allegations of fund misuse surfaced, will continue until all those responsible are held accountable.
“I started this all, and I will end it,” he said.
For its part, the Office of the Ombudsman welcomed the issuance of warrants of arrest against Co and his co-accused in the corruption cases filed before the Sandiganbayan.
“To the law enforcement agencies whose responsibility it is to effect the arrest, execute the warrants without delay. Ensure their immediate arrest and bring them before the bar of justice,” the office said in a statement on Friday.
Following the President’s directive, Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said his office is now in close coordination with the Sandiganbayan and other relevant agencies to ensure that the implementation of the warrants proceeds “lawfully and orderly.”
“We assure the public that due process will be strictly observed, and the individuals involved will be accorded all rights guaranteed under the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, Co’s lawyer said they are preparing for a protracted legal battle in case an extradition order is handed down against his client.
In an interview, Ruy Rondain said their camp plans to file a bail petition and will oppose any moves to cancel Co’s passport.
Furthermore, he also wants assurance that his client will be kept safe should he submit himself to the government’s custody.
“If the government can assure his safety. I heard the Ombudsman saying that we will escort him from the tube, bring him to an armored van with body cams the whole time. And then what, where are they gonna bring him to the general population detention? He’s gonna get shot after the first 30 minutes,” he said in a separate interview.
When queried on what it would take for Co to come home and surrender to Philippine authorities, Rondain said, “House arrest or bail.” With Rex Espiritu
