TACLOBAN CITY — A civil society group based in Leyte has called for the immediate recovery of alleged stolen public funds tied to flood control projects, as the reported arrest of former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co abroad reignited demands for full accountability and convictions over one of the country’s biggest corruption controversies.
Zaldy Co has been linked to allegations involving billions of pesos in questionable flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways, including so-called “ghost projects” that have drawn widespread public outrage.
Pete Ilagan, president of Tacloban-based civil society group PH Haiyan Advocacy, said the reported arrest should not end with detention alone but must lead to the recovery of public funds and convictions of those involved.
“This is a litmus test for the administration’s anti-corruption drive. The public is not just looking for arrests; they want the money returned and those responsible convicted,” Ilagan said.
He noted that Tacloban City—ground zero of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013—was among the recipients of a major flood mitigation initiative, including the P4.59-billion Causeway Project, which has been linked to a construction firm reportedly associated with Co.
Ricardo Todio Jr., of the Association of Young Environmentalist Journalists of the Philippines (Ayej)-Leyte Chapter, called the development “significant,” stressing the need for a transparent investigation to determine the full extent of accountability.
“There should be a fair and thorough inquiry so we can identify all those involved and understand how such misuse of public funds was carried out,” Todio said.
Danny Carranza, secretary general of the national farmers’ group Katarungan, also urged authorities to pursue the case beyond individual liability.
“Accountability must extend to all involved, regardless of position or influence. Corruption in flood control projects directly worsens flooding, destroys crops, and deepens rural poverty,” he said.
The renewed calls for accountability follow confirmation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the government is coordinating with Czech authorities regarding Co’s situation and his possible return to the Philippines.
In November 2025, the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against Co for graft and malversation charges linked to an alleged anomalous road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. He was later declared a fugitive from justice after failing to submit to the court’s jurisdiction.
The flood control controversy has fueled public anger and nationwide protests, especially as severe flooding continues to hit communities despite billions of pesos allocated annually for mitigation projects. In November 2025 alone, over 100 people were reported dead or missing due to widespread flooding brought by monsoon rains and typhoons.
(RONALD O. REYES)
