The government remains open to possible talks with former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co, according to Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro.
Castro said that if Co’s request for dialogue would help uncover the truth behind the massive flood control anomalies, the government is willing to engage in discussions.
She added that the Office of the Ombudsman has committed to provide protection for Co, who has not returned to the country since July last year.
In November, the Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Co and 17 officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corporation, who were charged with graft and malversation of public funds in the P289.5 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
With the arrest order issued against him and his failure to surrender or be arrested, he has been declared a fugitive from justice.
“Sa ating pagkakarinig, siya po ay nais makipag-ugnayan sa Ombudsman. At ang sabi naman din po, even before, ng Ombudsman na ang lahat ng proteksyon na kailangan niya ay ibibigay,” Castro said in a Palace briefing on Thursday, Jan. 22.
The Palace official, however, said that it would be up to the Ombudsman whether they would set any limits or parameters for the possible dialogue.
“Nasa kamay na po iyan ng Ombudsman kung sila po ay magkikita. Depende na po iyan, basta po ang nais lamang ng Pangulo ay lumabas ang katotohanan at kung sinuman ang maaaring responsable sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects, sila ay maimbestigahan at managot,” Castro said.
Castro also bared that there has been no request from Co to hold a dialogue with President Marcos.
“Wala pa po namang binibigay na suggestion na siya ay makikipag-usap sa Pangulo or sa administrasyon. Hintayin po muna natin kung ano ang kaniyang itutugon,” Castro said. (Betheena Unite)
