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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace: Gov't open to possible dialogue with Zaldy Co

Palace: Gov't open to possible dialogue with Zaldy Co

Published Jan 22, 2026 02:22 pm
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and former lawmaker Zaldy Co (file photos)
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and former lawmaker Zaldy Co (file photos)
Malacañang said the government remains open to any possible talks with former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said if Co seeking a possible dialogue with the government would help in revealing the truth over the massive flood control anomalies, the government would be open for talks.
Castro added that the Ombudsman has been committing to provide protection to Co, who has yet to return to the country since July last year.
In November, the Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Co and 17 officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corporation who were charged with graft and malversation of public funds in the P289.5 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
With the arrest order issued against him and his failure to surrender or be arrested, he has been declared a fugitive from justice.
"Sa ating pagkakarinig, siya po ay nais makipag-ugnayan sa Ombudsman. At ang sabi naman din po, even before, ng Ombudsman na ang lahat ng proteksyon na kailangan niya ay ibibigay (Based on what we have heard, he wishes to coordinate with the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman has also previously stated that all the protection he may need will be provided)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Thursday, Jan. 22.
"At kung ito po ay makakatulong para malaman natin ang katotohanan, ang gobyerno po, ang pamahalaan ay open po para malaman kung ano ang kanyang sasabihin (If this will help us uncover the truth, the government remains open to hearing what he has to say)," Castro said.
The Palace official, however, said that it would be up to the Ombudsman whether they would set any limits or parameters for the possible dialogue.
" Nasa kamay na po iyan ng Ombudsman kung sila po ay magkikita. Depende na po iyan, basta po ang nais lamang ng Pangulo ay lumabas ang katotohanan at kung sinuman ang maaaring responsable sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects, sila ay maimbestigahan at managot (That will now be up to the Ombudsman if they will meet. What the President wants is simply for the truth to come out, and for anyone who may be responsible for anomalous flood control projects to be investigated and held accountable)," Castro said.
Castro also bared that there has been no request from Co to hold a dialogue with President Marcos.
"Wala pa po namang binibigay na suggestion na siya ay makikipag-usap sa Pangulo or sa administrasyon. Hintayin po muna natin kung ano ang kaniyang itutugon (No suggestion has been made so far that he would speak with the President or the administration. Let us first wait to see how he responds)," Castro said.

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Zaldy Co Ombudsman flood control anomalies Claire Castro
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