Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has publicly disclosed his plans to travel to Portugal, a country where former House Appropriations Chairman Zaldy Co is suspected to be in hiding. In a recent interview, Remulla revealed that he is actively seeking permission from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to proceed with this international trip.
Remulla Awaits Presidential Approval for Portugal Visit
Secretary Remulla stated that he has formally requested authorization from President Marcos to travel to Portugal. As of now, he has not yet received a response from the President regarding this matter. However, the DILG chief expressed his hope to embark on the journey as soon as possible, emphasizing the urgency of his planned visit to the European nation.
Primary Objective: Engaging with Zaldy Co's Associates
One of the key goals of Remulla's proposed trip is to engage in discussions with individuals closely associated with Zaldy Co. The former lawmaker is believed to be evading authorities in Portugal, and Remulla aims to gather information or facilitate communication through these contacts.
Remulla acknowledged that if he is granted permission to travel and subsequently encounters Zaldy Co in Portugal, his hands would be tied in terms of taking direct action. He clarified that, despite any personal desire to see Co arrested, he would have no legal authority to intervene in such a scenario on foreign soil.
Unclear Plans for Portuguese Authorities
When questioned about whether he intends to coordinate with Portuguese authorities during his visit, Remulla indicated that he has no concrete plans in place at this stage. His current focus remains solely on obtaining presidential approval, with further details to be determined only if the trip is authorized.
The Secretary's request highlights ongoing efforts by Philippine officials to address issues related to Zaldy Co, who has been linked to controversies, including flood control anomalies. This development underscores the complexities of international cooperation in legal and investigative matters involving Filipino figures abroad.
