MANILA — Former lawmaker Zaldy Co has refused to submit a counter-affidavit or return to the Philippines to face the graft allegations against him, as his lawyer cited “serious threats” to his life and claimed bias on the part of investigators.
Atty. Ruy Rondain, Co’s legal counsel, confirmed that the former congressman—accused of masterminding a kickback scheme in government infrastructure projects—will not comply with the Office of the Ombudsman’s order, saying it was sent to his client’s last known addresses but was “refused by the recipient.”
“He’s deathly afraid of coming home because may serious threats to his life. One half of the country wants to throw him in jail and throw away the key, the other half wants to string him up by the nearest tree,” Rondain told reporters. “Would you come home under those circumstances? I wouldn’t recommend him to.”
The lawyer also admitted he does not know Co’s current location, saying, “I never asked him where he is, it’s not relevant for his defense. I don’t want to have to lie to you when you ask me that question.”
Rondain said Co, who is reportedly in the United States for “medical treatment,” will also not file any counter-affidavit before the Ombudsman, insisting that “no formal complaint” has been served. “The narrative has become so skewered and twisted because of misinformation,” he added.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has twice subpoenaed Co to appear before its panel, but he has failed to do so. Rondain, meanwhile, accused Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla of “prejudging” the case, citing remarks allegedly made by Secretary Vince Dizon that “60 people will be in jail by Christmas.”
Authorities have yet to release details of the ongoing investigation into the alleged kickbacks from public works projects that took place during Co’s tenure as a lawmaker.
As of press time, Co has not issued any public statement regarding the accusations./PN
