Former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co’s air assets have left the Philippines as authorities tighten their investigations into his alleged corruption schemes. Official reports from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirm that all three of Co’s registered aircraft—two AgustaWestland helicopters and one Gulfstream jet—are no longer within Philippine territory.
CAAP records show that the two AgustaWestland helicopters departed for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on August 20 and September 11, 2025. The Gulfstream jet took off for Singapore earlier on August 16. These movements occurred before deregistration applications for the aircraft were even filed, raising questions about compliance and timing.
Co stepped down as Ako Bicol’s representative in September 2025 after a wave of corruption allegations involving graft, malversation, and falsification tied to government flood control projects and alleged “budget insertions.” He claimed his resignation was due to safety concerns and a lack of due process, while continuing to deny any wrongdoing. Despite his statements, government agencies have moved to freeze and recover assets linked to him, including aircraft valued at roughly ₱4.7 billion.
However, no assets linked to Co or other politicians under investigation have been officially frozen. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said coordination between agencies is still underway, but procedural delays and pending court approvals have slowed the process. This has fueled public frustration over the perception that high-profile officials remain untouched while probes drag on.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), AMLC, Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) are leading the joint probe. CAAP has maintained active monitoring of all aircraft registered under Co and confirmed that deregistration for his fleet has not yet been approved. The ICI has also recommended formal charges against Co as the investigation deepens and the government pushes for a full asset freeze.
Authorities say Co remains under close scrutiny as his name continues to surface in multiple investigations tied to the ₱4.7 billion flood control corruption scandal that has shaken the infrastructure sector.
