MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has called on the camp of former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co to return billions of pesos in alleged public funds as a demonstration of good faith in dealing with the Philippine government.
Remulla made the remarks Monday during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines’ Prospects of the Philippines 2026 forum. He said he communicated the message to Co through intermediaries.
“If there’s restitution, then let’s talk about it immediately. If you’re truly willing, then you’ll return what you took,” Remulla said, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the issue outside of prolonged court proceedings. “If you wait for the courts to decide how much should be returned, it might take twenty years and still not be finished.”
The former lawmaker faces three criminal cases tied to a public works corruption scandal. He resigned from the House of Representatives in September after leaving the Philippines in August for medical treatment in the United States and was reportedly last seen in Portugal.
Co was implicated in alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Bulacan, with testimonies from former engineers suggesting that budget insertions inflated costs to at least P35 billion between 2022 and 2025. The witnesses also claimed that kickbacks were delivered to Co, including an alleged delivery of P1 billion in cash packed in over 20 suitcases and transported to his luxury hotel penthouse in Taguig City.
Remulla expressed confidence that Co’s camp has received his message. “It must have been heard by him by now,” he said.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously noted that Co had sent feelers through intermediaries seeking a dialogue with government officials.
The Ombudsman reiterated that swift restitution and engagement with authorities could pave the way for resolving the complex corruption allegations.