President Bongbong Marcos has ordered government agencies to initiate steps toward an extradition arrangement with Portugal as authorities seek the arrest and return of former lawmaker Rep. Zaldy Co, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday.
Remulla said the directive was issued despite the absence of a standing extradition treaty between the two countries. He noted that parallel efforts will be pursued through Interpol to request Co’s repatriation if his presence in Portugal is confirmed.
‘’Nagbigay ng instruction si President na formally mag-apply na kami ng extradition treaty sa kanila kahit wala pang extradition treaties between the two countries. Pero through the Interpol, magrerequest na kami ng repatriation ni Zaldy Co kung nasa Portugal talaga siya,’’ Remulla said.
Co is believed to have left the Philippines and is suspected to be in Portugal amid investigations tied to alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro. Remulla added that Co is believed to possess a Portuguese passport obtained years earlier.
The move follows the issuance of arrest warrants last year against Co and 15 others, including officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways and executives of Sunwest Corp., over their alleged roles in the controversy.
The Office of the Ombudsman filed corruption and malversation of public funds charges before the Sandiganbayan on November 18, citing an allegedly anomalous P289 million flood control project.
Co has remained abroad, saying he left the country for medical reasons, and has denied any involvement in corrupt activities. The Sandiganbayan has since declared him a fugitive from justice and ordered the cancellation of his Philippine passport as legal proceedings continue.
