A man is on the move, and the whole world is watching. Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, once a powerful voice in Congress, has been absent from public view while facing allegations of pocketing billions in questionable projects. His name is now trending not only in Manila, but across continents.
From New York to Singapore, and now reportedly Madrid, Filipinos everywhere are tracking his every move. The question remains: where is Zaldy Co — and can he truly escape justice?
Running Like The Wind
Co has not been seen in the House chamber since the 20th Congress convened on July 28. A credible source said on September 3 that Co had left the Philippines for Singapore. The next day, the House confirmed he was seeking medical treatment in the United States, though no details about his health were disclosed.
U.S. travel records show Co arriving in New York on July 20, leaving August 1, returning August 26, and departing again September 13. These four U.S. trips this year came after he lost the chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee in January.
Meanwhile, flight records show Co boarded Emirates flight EK 141 out of Singapore at 12:50 a.m. Manila time on September 24, with a stopover in Dubai before heading to Madrid. He is expected to land in Madrid at 7:20 p.m. Manila time.
Filipinos Around the World Join the Search
The absence of answers has fueled public concern. Filipinos worldwide are tracking flights and reports, making #WhereIsZaldyCo a trending topic. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the DOJ is validating reports Co is in Spain. Speaker Bojie Dy admitted uncertainty about Co’s whereabouts and revoked his travel clearance days after replacing Co’s ally Romualdez as Speaker.
Co faces allegations of pocketing billions in kickbacks from overpriced flood control projects. Senate inquiries link him to at least P13 billion in questionable budget insertions. Former DPWH engineers allegedly delivered cash directly to Co’s residences. Investigations show Co remains a beneficial owner of Sunwest Incorporated, a Bicol-based contractor awarded large government projects. The Anti-Money Laundering Council is also freezing Co-linked assets, including aircraft worth P4.7 billion.
With over 10.8 million Filipinos living abroad, this global community is now joining the search. For them, Co’s travels are more than a missing person case — they are a test of justice. And with millions watching, it is clear: impossible na makatakas si Zaldy Co.
