Zaldy Co's passport, canceled; PBBM confirms action

• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announces that the passport of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co has been officially canceled
• Co, who maintains his innocence, has not returned to the Philippines after traveling abroad for medical treatment
• The President orders the DFA and PNP to coordinate with embassies worldwide to monitor Co’s movements
• Co faces arrest warrants and multiple corruption charges linked to a P289-million flood control project

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. revealed on Wednesday that the Philippine government has canceled the passport of former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, who is facing serious allegations of corruption involving flood control projects.

Marcos delivered the announcement through a video message to the public.

He said, “Maibabalita ko po sa inyo na ang passport po ni Zaldy Co ay kanselado na.”

Co left the country earlier, saying he needed to undergo medical treatment abroad.

However, he has yet to return while investigations continue into alleged budget insertions and irregularities in flood control programs.

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He has repeatedly insisted that he is innocent of the accusations.

Marcos explained that he has directed government agencies to locate the former lawmaker.

He said, “Kaya in-instruction-an ko na ang Department of Foreign Affairs, pati ang PNP, na makipag-ugnayan sa ating mga embassies.”

He added in a separate statement that embassies must ensure Co cannot use foreign travel to evade authorities.

Marcos said embassies should report to the Philippines immediately if Co is located so he can be brought home.

Records show that Co traveled to the United States for treatment, arriving in New York on August 26 and departing on September 13.

Later reports from the Department of the Interior and Local Government suggested he may be in Portugal. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Co is suspected of holding a Portuguese passport “acquired so many years ago.”

Remulla also noted that Co had traveled to several places, including Europe, Singapore, Spain, and Japan.

On November 21, President Marcos announced that a warrant of arrest had been issued against Co and 15 officials linked to the Department of Public Works and Highways and Sunwest Corp.

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The move followed the filing of corruption and malversation charges tied to an allegedly anomalous P289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the country’s 17th chief executive, was elected in 2022 and is the only son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Before assuming the presidency, he built a decades-long political career that included serving as governor, congressman, and senator. His administration has focused on strengthening the economy, modernizing agriculture, expanding infrastructure projects, and pushing for digital innovation, all while keeping diplomatic ties strong with partners in both the West and Asia. Marcos Jr., who studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at the University of Oxford, has consistently emphasized “unity” as the guiding principle of his leadership in hopes of steering the nation through complex local and global issues.

In a separate report, Marcos removed PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and appointed Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police. Nartatez, a member of PMA Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992, previously served as Deputy Chief for Administration—the PNP’s second-highest position. The leadership change followed controversy over Torre’s reassignment of several senior officers without approval from NAPOLCOM and the DILG. Upon assuming the role, Nartatez committed to boosting police visibility, enhancing investigative work, enforcing the five-minute response rule, and closely monitoring integrity within the force.

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Earlier, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed that Gen. Torre had been officially relieved of his duties. The announcement was made on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, through a directive from Malacañang ordering Torre to immediately turn over all responsibilities connected to his office. The Palace did not provide a reason for the decision.

Source: KAMI.com.gh