Marcos: Zaldy Co tried to ‘blackmail’ gov’t over passport cancellation

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PCO photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday alleged that a lawyer representing former lawmaker Zaldy Co attempted to “blackmail” the government by urging officials not to cancel Co’s passport in exchange for halting the release of more online videos containing accusations against the administration.

In his latest report to the nation on the flood control probe, Marcos said Co’s lawyer approached Malacañang and claimed that if the government does not cancel the former lawmaker’s passport, he will stop releasing his “tell-all” videos online, a move the President flatly rejected.

“Nilapitan po kami ng abogado ni Zaldy Co at nagtatangkang mag-blackmail… na kung hindi namin kakanselahin ang passport niya, hindi na raw siya maglalabas ng video (A lawyer representing Zaldy Co approached us and attempted to blackmail us — saying that if we don’t cancel his passport, he will stop releasing videos),” Marcos said.

“I do not negotiate with criminals,” the President added.

“Kahit maglabas ka pa ng video ng kasinungalingan mo, makakansela pa rin ang passport mo (Even if you release more lies, your passport will still be cancelled).”

Co, who has been linked to alleged corruption in flood-control projects, has been releasing a series of online videos accusing various officials, including the President and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, of wrongdoing.

The government earlier said Co is subject to a blue notice request, allowing law enforcement agencies abroad to track his movement.

The President’s statement comes as the Anti-Money Laundering Council secured two freeze orders covering PHP12 billion in assets associated with the ongoing flood-control probe, including properties attributed to Co.

These assets include aircraft, bank accounts, insurance policies, vehicles, real estate, and e-wallet accounts.

Marcos reiterated that the asset freeze is part of the administration’s commitment to recover public funds lost to corruption.

“Ang pera ng taumbayan ay ibabalik sa taumbayan (The people’s money will be returned to the people),” he said.