DILG Secretary Calls Deportation of Zaldy Co 'Most Improbable' Amid Corruption Case
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has declared that while the suggestion to deport former Ako-Bicol Representative Zaldy Co from Portugal is logical, it currently stands as the "most improbable" option available. This statement comes in response to a push by ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima, who advocated for pursuing deportation rather than extradition to bring Co back to the Philippines.
Legal Hurdles in Deportation and Extradition Efforts
Remulla explained that deportation cannot be forced because Co holds a Portuguese passport, which complicates the process. Additionally, the Philippines and Portugal do not have an extradition treaty in place, creating further obstacles. However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed readiness to negotiate for Co's arrest, indicating a proactive stance from the national government.
In light of these challenges, Remulla noted that the government is actively studying legal measures under various international agreements. This includes exploring potential avenues through the United Nations to address the situation, highlighting the complexity of cross-border legal actions in such high-profile cases.
Background on the Flood Control Corruption Controversy
The controversy stems from allegations involving a P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. In November 2025, arrest warrants were issued for Co and other officials due to suspected anomalies in this project. The Ombudsman has since filed a case with the Sandiganbayan, with the trial set to commence on January 20, 2026.
Zaldy Co has consistently denied all accusations related to the flood control corruption scandal. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on how Philippine authorities will navigate the international legal landscape to hold him accountable, given the current limitations in deportation and extradition protocols.
