Statement of DOJ Chief Boying Remulla on Flood Control Corruption Issue vs. Zaldy Co
DOJ Chief Boying Remulla admitted that he “expected” the resignation of former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co.
The flood control mess in the Philippines dragged several congressmen and senators into the issue of a multi-billion corruption. Controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya were the first ones to do name-dropping during the Senate flood probe.
According to the Discayas, then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez, then-Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, Quezon City Congressman Arjo Atayde, Pasig Cong. Roman Romulo, and Marikina Cong. Marcy Teodoro are among the congressmen who allegedly receive kickback from the flood control projects of the government.
The controversial contractors claimed that they have allegedly no choice but to ride on the supposed system. Then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez denied the flood control accusation of the Discayas and stressed that he is “self-made”.
When the Discayas made their claim, then-Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co was reportedly in the United States already for his medical treatment. However, not only the Discayas but several other witnesses tagged Co in the multi-billion flood control mess.
Leyte Cong. Martin Romualdez resigned from being the House speaker amid the accusations of flood control corruption. According to him, he wants the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI to fully and freely exercise their mandate.
Following the change of the House leadership, newly-elected House Speaker Bojie Dy revoked the Travel Clearance of Zaldy Co and ordered him to return to the Philippines within 10 days since the receipt of the notice. However, the politician has yet to return to the country until now.
Amid the flood control mess, Zaldy Co tendered his resignation to the House of Representatives. Recently, DOJ Chief Boying Remulla spoke on the resignation of Co from being the representative of Ako Bicol Partylist amid the accusations of corruption against him.
“Well I kinda expected that kasi ayaw niya nang ma-obliga ng Congress,” the Justice Secretary said.
Based on a post of News5 on social media, DOJ Chief Boying Remulla was also asked about the next step of the Philippine authorities with regards to the corruption accusations against former Rep. Zaldy Co. The Justice Secretary expressed his belief that Co will not make a move.
“We will wait for his warrant so we can have the Interpol moving. We will wait for his warrant… Hindi magpaparamdam ‘yun. He will be a fugitive… That’s inevitable,” the DOJ Chief said.
Based on the post, Justice Sec. Boying Remulla also challenged Zaldy Co to return to the Philippines and face the accusations of corruption against him. He stressed that there will be a due process.
“Harapin mo ‘yung charges and if you say that you are innocent, then due process is always here,” the DOJ Chief said.
Previously, amid the issue, Zaldy Co claimed that he allegedly intends to return to the Philippines to clear his name from the flood control accusations.