Malacañang said the government will ensure the safety and protection of former House Appropriations Committee chairperson Zaldy Co if he decides to return to the Philippines to face the corruption cases filed against him.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said any Filipino worried about their safety upon returning home can be given protection. She added that assurances may also come from the Office of the Ombudsman.
Co is facing complaints of malversation of the national budget and falsification of public documents. The allegations are tied to questionable flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro.
The former lawmaker left for the United States for medical leave but delayed his return after accusations emerged involving illegal budget insertions and the use of funds for ghost or substandard flood control projects.
Malacañang did not issue further details on Co’s status but emphasized that protection will be available should he come home to face the charges.
