Fugitive Former Lawmaker Zaldy Co has reportedly reached out to government authorities in an apparent attempt to open dialogue, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed on Wednesday, signaling a possible development in the high-profile corruption case linked to an alleged ghost flood control project.

MANILA — Speaking to reporters on January 21, Remulla said Co conveyed his intent through Catholic priests known to him, who then relayed the message to the Office of the Ombudsman. The former legislator, who is facing multiple criminal charges, remains at large as authorities continue efforts to locate and apprehend him.

According to Remulla, the outreach did not come directly from Co but through intermediaries who claimed to have personal connections with him. “He sent feelers through some of the priests he knew. They asked to connect with us to have a dialogue—not through me, but through the Ombudsman,” Remulla said.

However, the DILG chief clarified that the communication has not been formally verified. “Of course, that is not verified. They have just reached out. A friend of a friend reached out,” he added, stressing that the government is treating the matter with caution.

Remulla also disclosed that Fugitive Former Lawmaker Zaldy Co’s last known location was Portugal, where he allegedly obtained residency through the country’s “golden visa program.” The program allows foreign nationals to gain residency by making substantial investments, but it has faced criticism globally over concerns of possible abuse.

Authorities have not confirmed whether Co is still in Portugal, but Remulla said intelligence reports indicate the country as his most recent known location. The Department of the Interior and Local Government continues to coordinate with relevant agencies as efforts to track him persist.

Co, along with several others, is facing charges of malversation and alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The case stems from an alleged ghost flood control project involving the construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The project, which carried a budget of ₱289.5 million, allegedly did not exist despite the release of public funds for its implementation. Investigators said inspections revealed no substantial construction corresponding to the amount allocated, raising serious concerns over the misuse of government resources.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier ordered the filing of charges after finding probable cause against Fugitive Former Lawmaker Zaldy Co and his co-accused, marking one of the most significant corruption cases involving public infrastructure funds in recent years.

While Co remains a fugitive, nine of his co-accused have already been arrested and are currently detained in various penal facilities across Metro Manila. Authorities said these arrests demonstrate the government’s commitment to pursuing accountability in cases involving the misuse of public funds.

Officials reiterated that any possible dialogue or negotiation would not exempt Co from facing the charges against him. Legal experts noted that sending “feelers” holds no legal weight unless accompanied by formal surrender or cooperation with authorities.

Remulla stressed that the rule of law remains paramount, adding that any communication coursed through unofficial channels must still adhere to established legal procedures. “There are institutions that handle these matters, and the Ombudsman is the proper authority,” he said.

As the case unfolds, the government continues to urge Fugitive Former Lawmaker Zaldy Co to face the allegations and submit himself to the judicial process. Authorities remain vigilant, weighing every lead while ensuring that justice is pursued without compromise.