Government Open to UNCAC Assistance in Locating Ex-Representative Elizaldy Co

Malacañang on Monday said the government is open to exploring the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to assist in locating resigned Ako-Bicol Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co.

The suggestion to tap UNCAC was raised by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson alongside an Interpol Red Notice for Co’s arrest.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said UNCAC provides international cooperation mechanisms but implementation depends on each country’s domestic laws.

Castro, reading the statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, noted that no coordination with UNCAC has started yet.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has referred the matter to the Commission on Transnational Crime, Castro added.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that exploring UNCAC is part of the agenda to apprehend Co.

Lacson said in a radio interview that cooperation with 191 other UNCAC signatory countries could ease efforts to locate and arrest Co.

President Marcos previously announced on November 21 that arrest warrants were issued for Co and 15 others over a P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Co is also linked to flood control projects in Bulacan, with alleged budget insertions totaling at least P35 billion from 2022 to 2025.

Authorities believe Co is currently in Portugal, possibly holding a Portuguese passport and a "golden visa" that allows residency for foreign investors. ❤️