Gov’t May Invoke UN Anti-Corruption Treaty to Arrest Zaldy Co

The Philippine government may invoke an international anti-corruption treaty to help locate and arrest former Ako-Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who has been declared a fugitive from justice by the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigating anomalies in the implementation of flood control projects, said the government can explore invoking the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to seek assistance from other countries in tracking down Co.

The UNCAC is a legally binding treaty adopted in 2003 and ratified by the Philippine Senate in 2006.

Speaking on Saturday, December 13, 2025, Lacson said the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) may study the option of tapping the UNCAC framework to complement existing efforts to secure Co’s arrest.

These efforts include the Philippines’ request for the International Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice against Co after his Philippine passport was canceled.

“One option the Philippine government may explore is to tap the UNCAC, where we are a signatory. Imagine, 192 countries signed the convention. If we tap the resources of 191 other countries, you can imagine how our efforts to locate and arrest Co will be easier,” Lacson said in a radio interview.

Lacson noted that Article 38 of the UNCAC mandates cooperation among state parties in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses related to corruption.

He said invoking the treaty could strengthen the government’s legal basis for seeking international assistance, particularly if Co is confirmed to be staying in a country that is also a signatory to the convention.

Co is at the center of the investigation into alleged anomalies involving flood control projects across the country. The Sandiganbayan has issued a standing arrest warrant against him and 15 other individuals, including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and members of the board of Sunwest Corporation.

The charges stem from alleged irregularities in the implementation of a P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.

Sunwest Corporation, which Co co-founded, has been identified as one of the top 15 construction firms that received flood control project contracts between 2022 and 2025.

According to data cited in the Senate investigation, these firms collectively bagged about 20 percent, or roughly P100 billion, worth of flood control projects nationwide during the period.

Co reportedly traveled to the United States in July for medical treatment and has since failed to return to the Philippines despite ongoing government investigations.

He has claimed that there are imminent threats to his life and the safety of his family, which he cited as the reason for remaining abroad.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said Co is believed to be using a Portuguese passport while in hiding. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not yet confirmed Co’s whereabouts.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the agency has not received any information, including from the Philippine embassy in Portugal, regarding Co’s location. She said coordination with foreign missions remains ongoing as authorities attempt to track him down.

Lacson said invoking UNCAC would provide an additional legal mechanism for cooperation with other countries, particularly in securing information on Co’s movements and possible arrest.

He emphasized that international collaboration is crucial in corruption cases involving suspects who may be evading justice by moving across borders.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues to investigate alleged large-scale corruption linked to flood control projects, which have come under scrutiny following reports of ghost projects, substandard construction, and inflated costs.

The investigation has implicated several public officials and private individuals, with lawmakers calling for accountability and stronger safeguards in infrastructure spending.

Government agencies have yet to announce whether they will formally invoke the UNCAC in Co’s case. Authorities said discussions are ongoing as part of a broader strategy to ensure that individuals accused of corruption are brought before Philippine courts, regardless of where they are located.