The Senate is acting on the arrest of former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co, moving to bring him into the ongoing probe on controversial flood control projects once he is returned to the Philippines.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will issue an invitation or summons at the first opportunity, subject to court approval, as Co faces a standing warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan. His legal custody will fall under the anti-graft court once he is deported back to the country, requiring clearance before he can participate in any Senate proceedings.
Records from the panel show that Co was issued a show cause order in January after failing to attend an earlier hearing despite being invited to testify. No further action followed at the time due to his absence from the country.
President Bongbong Marcos earlier confirmed that Co is under the custody of authorities in Prague, Czech Republic after attempting to cross into the country without proper documentation. Government agencies are now pursuing legal and diplomatic steps to secure his return, including coordination with Czech authorities and possible international mechanisms.
The Senate is expected to proceed with hearings once Co is back in the country, with the committee looking at holding a hearing where Co, Orly Guteza, and the former soldiers who gave testimony can all appear, as their statements are tied to the same controversy.
The Blue Ribbon Committee is currently awaiting the submission and sponsorship of its partial report on the flood control controversy before moving forward with the next phase of its investigation.
