The passport of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co has been canceled, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Wednesday, noting that authorities have intensified efforts to hold those involved in alleged public fund misappropriation accountable.
In a video message, Marcos said he has instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine National Police to coordinate with Philippine embassies abroad to ensure Co cannot evade authorities.
“At kung sakali man ay siya ay pupunta roon, ay i-rereport sa atin para naman maibalik natin siya dito sa Pilipinas,” Marcos said.
In a related development, Marcos also announced that embattled contractor Sara Discaya surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday.
According to the President, Discaya is currently in NBI custody while awaiting the formal issuance of her warrant of arrest.
Marcos emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that legal cases will continue to be filed to ensure that all individuals involved in the alleged syndicate face justice. He reiterated the government’s commitment to recovering public funds reportedly misappropriated in the scandal.
“Maganda naman ang takbo ng proseso at ‘yung ating mga hinihinalang kasama dito sa ganitong klaseng sindikato ay haharap sa hustisya,” he said.
Marcos added that the administration continues to closely monitor the situation as authorities pursue those implicated in the flood-control project irregularities.
“Asahan po ninyo na patuloy pa rin ang ating imbestigasyon, patuloy pa rin ang ating pagpila ng mga kaso upang tiyakin na ang mga guilty dito sa ganitong klaseng iskandalo ay haharap sa batas, at bukod diyan ay maibalik ang ninakaw na pera sa taong-bayan,” he said.