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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson: Once in Philippines, Senate blue ribbon panel will invite Zaldy Co

Lacson: Once in Philippines, Senate blue ribbon panel will invite Zaldy Co

Published Apr 17, 2026 11:07 am

At A Glance

  • Senate President Pro Tempore and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson made the assurance following reports of the former lawmaker's arrest in the Czech Republic.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will invite former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co to a hearing once he is in the Philippines, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said.

Former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (Facebook)
Former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (Facebook)

Lacson, who also heads the blue ribbon panel, made the assurance following reports of Co’s arrest in the Czech Republic.

“Moving forward, once he is here…at first opportunity, the Senate blue ribbon committee will invite him,” Lacson said in an interview over Radio DZBB.

Lacson recalled that the committee had earlier issued a show cause order on Co, along with Orly Guteza, an ex-marine and security consultant of Co, who became a surprise witness in the September 2025 hearing of the panel on the anomalous flood control projects.

The senator pointed out Co was not able to come to the hearing.

“Since then, no action had been taken because he was not here. But now, we will have the opportunity to invite him again, of course, with leave of court,” he said.

Lacson said this is because Co’s legal custody will go to the Sandiganbayan once he is deported. The Sandiganbayan earlier issued a warrant of arrest against the former lawmaker.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday night announced Co’s arrest in Prague. Co is considered one of the key figures in the massive flood control scandal which erupted last year.

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Zaldy Co flood control probe Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Ping Lacson
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