Palace warns fugitives: ‘Return or be hunted’

Malacañang has sharpened its tone on personalities linked to the alleged multibillion-peso flood-control scandal, with Palace Press Officer Claire Castro warning that those who refuse to return to the country “will face arrest.”

Castro issued the statement as the administration continued to fend off allegations from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who has accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials of involvement in irregular budget insertions tied to ghost flood-control projects.

Co, who fled abroad, now faces an arrest warrant for graft and malversation.

“The President will not allow anyone to escape accountability,” Castro said, adding that investigations will continue “even if they are no longer in public office.”

Her remarks came amid questions over Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman vacating their posts after being linked to alleged anomalies.

Castro insisted the resignations do not end their legal exposure and that both remain under investigation.

Meanwhile, Acting Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez dismissed Co’s allegations, saying they carry no weight unless made under oath in the Philippines.

“Hearsay to a desperate man,” Gomez said. “Come home, face the music and swear under oath. Until then, we will not dignify accusations from a fugitive.”

Marcos has ordered aviation authorities to track Co’s aircraft abroad, while the Department of Justice has requested an Interpol alert on him.

“You cannot steal from Filipino people and expect to hide,” the President said. “You have the money to run, but you cannot outrun the Republic of the Philippines.”

The President recently met with Philippine National Police acting chief Jose Melencio Nartatez, National Bureau of Investigation OIC Angelito Magno and acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida to assess security preparations should multiple arrest warrants be enforced.

“The President needs to know what to do next,” Castro said. “They are ready in case of any eventuality.”

Despite public calls to dismantle political dynasties — a demand amplified by protest groups who argue that entrenched clans enable corruption — Malacañang has not committed to certifying an anti-dynasty bill as urgent.

Asked if the measure will move under an administration led by a member of a political family, Castro replied:

“We are in a democracy. The people choose who to vote for.” She said the Palace will “study” proposed reforms.