Passport Canceled as Marcos Launches Global Search for Zaldy Co

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered a worldwide manhunt for fugitive and former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co—one of those implicated in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In his “Ulat sa Bayan” video message, the President said he has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to coordinate with Philippine embassies in various countries to determine the whereabouts of the former lawmaker.

“I can report to you that the passport of Zaldy Co has already been canceled,” Marcos said.

“That is why I have instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as the PNP, to coordinate with our embassies abroad to ensure that this individual we are pursuing cannot hide in their country,” the President added. “And if he does travel there, they will report it to us so that we can bring him back to the Philippines.”

According to an initial report from the House of Representatives, Co left for the United States in August to seek medical treatment. After Speaker Martin Romualdez was removed from his post and his successor, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy, revoked Co’s travel clearance, the Ako Bicol Party-list representative was forced to resign.

The latest report received by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla indicated that Co is now in Portugal. Earlier sightings placed him in Spain, Singapore, Japan, and other parts of Europe.