Co on the Run? Lawmaker Flies to Madrid as Kickback Probe Deepens

Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co continues to travel abroad despite mounting allegations that he pocketed billions of pesos in kickbacks from allegedly anomalous flood control projects.

According to flight records, Co’s latest destination is Madrid, Spain. He departed Dubai on Wednesday at 8:05 a.m. and was set to arrive in Madrid at 7:20 p.m. Manila time.

This trip follows a string of recent international travels. Politiko obtained a copy of Co’s visit pass from Singapore Immigration dated September 16, valid until October 16. U.S. Customs and Border Protection records also show that he visited New York City from August 26 to September 13.

The travels come as Co remains under scrutiny in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s probe into alleged kickbacks in infrastructure projects. Former DPWH Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara claimed that Co collected 20 to 25 percent from flood control funds. Meanwhile, former DPWH Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez testified that he personally delivered nearly ₱1 billion in cash packed into 20 suitcases and transported in several vans before being handed to Co’s staff.

Co has firmly denied all accusations, calling them “politically motivated.”

Despite the testimonies, Blue Ribbon chairman Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Co will not be summoned due to interparliamentary courtesy. “He’s still a congressman… voluntarily, he can appear and testify or manifest. But to send an invitation or even a subpoena, that’s not proper,” Lacson explained.

During the Senate hearing on September 23, Alcantara implicated six individuals in the flood control scandal, including Co, Sens. Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, former Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy, former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. Alcantara claimed to have records backing his allegations, though Lacson admitted it remains unclear what specific documents were submitted to the Department of Justice.

The Senate investigation into alleged flood control kickbacks is ongoing.