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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos: Arrest warrants out for Zaldy Co, 17 others over flood-control scandal

Marcos: Arrest warrants out for Zaldy Co, 17 others over flood-control scandal

Published Nov 21, 2025 05:08 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and former congressman Zaldy Co (Facebook screenshots)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and former congressman Zaldy Co (Facebook screenshots)
President Marcos announced that the Ombudsman has filed cases and issued arrest warrants against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and 17 others in connection with the multibillion-peso anomalies in flood control projects.
In a video message, the President said the warrants were based on evidence gathered and forwarded by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
He added that those named would now be brought before the courts to face the charges.
“Susunod na hakbang, wala nang paliguy-ligoy pa, ang ating mga otoridad siyempre papatupad nila ang arrest warrant na ito (The next step, without delay, is for our authorities to enforce these arrest warrants),” he said Friday, Nov. 21.
“Aresto na sila, ihaharap sa korte at pananagutin sa batas (They will be arrested, brought to court, and held accountable under the law),” he added.
President Marcos emphasized that the administration was not extending favors or shielding anyone.
“Walang espesyal na pagtrato, walang sinasanto (There will be no special treatment, no exemptions),” he said.
The President reiterated that the anti-corruption campaign began under his directive and that he would see it through.
“Ako ang nagsimula nito, ako ang magtatapos (I started this, and I will finish it),” he said.

Marcos thanked the public for their patience, saying the results were now taking shape after months of investigation.
“Kahit na napakatagal ang dumanat na panahon… nagbunga na ng resulta ang mga pasensya ninyo (Even if it took a long time… your patience has now borne results),” he said.
“Asahan po ninyo na wala pong tigil itong aming ginagawa (Expect that these efforts will not stop),” he added.
This development came after Marcos announced that the ICI and the DPWH were about to turn over all the evidence they have about Co and former House speaker Martin Romualdez.
In another video message on Friday morning, the President said that once the Ombudsman receives the documents, prosecutors may consider cases such as “plunder, anti-graft, or indirect bribery.”
He reiterated that the administration is removing politics from the equation by ensuring the probe proceeds under an independent constitutional body.
“Malakas naman ang loob natin na ang Ombudsman ay sumusunod lamang sa ebidensya (We are confident that the Ombudsman will follow the evidence),” he said.
“Kung saan tayo dinadala ng ebidensya, doon pupunta ang ating imbestigasyon (Where the evidence takes us, that is where our investigation will go,” he added.

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President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Zaldy Co arrest warrant
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