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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG assures gov't on track to forfeit Zaldy Co's assets

DILG assures gov't on track to forfeit Zaldy Co's assets

Published Dec 19, 2025 10:17 am  |  Updated Dec 19, 2025 02:45 pm
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday, Dec. 19, that justice will eventually catch up with dismissed lawmaker and fugitive Zaldy Co as the government vowed to pursue accountability over his alleged connection to anomalous flood control projects through civil asset forfeiture.
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said the government has already established a web of assets linked to Co and the Office of the Ombudsman identified these connections through the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
“The legal theory that is going to be applied to Co and others is that there will be Civil Forfeiture of all their assets. All their assets here, and assets there,” Remulla said.
The DILG explained that Republic Act No. 1379, or the Forfeiture Law, declares in favor of the State the forfeiture of any property found to have been unlawfully acquired by any public officer or employee.
The former Ako Bicol party-list lawmaker went into hiding after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. exposed individuals allegedly involved in ghost flood control projects in various parts of the country.
Remulla said motions for the conduct of asset forfeiture are currently being prepared.
Among the properties identified for possible seizure are Co’s two houses in Forbes Park, Makati City.
Other assets that could be subject to forfeiture include the Midas Hotel and Casino, owned through his company Eco Leisure, as well as the Misibis Bay Resort, Remulla noted.
The DILG chief admitted that Co’s arrest has been complicated by reports that he is hiding in Portugal while holding a Portuguese passport.
However, Remulla stressed that authorities remain vigilant and ready to act should Co slip up.
“It is a game of cat and mouse. They make a mistake, we pounce on them,” he said.
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