The Sandiganbayan 7th Division has ordered the archiving of the graft case against former congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who remains at large more than six months after the court issued a warrant for his arrest.
According to court records, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) returned the warrant unserved after failing to locate Co at the addresses listed in the warrant. The archiving of the case is a standard procedural move to prevent delays in the court’s docket while the accused remains a fugitive.
Graft case stems from P289-million flood control project
Co faces charges related to an allegedly anomalous P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. The Office of the Ombudsman has linked him to Sunwest Incorporated, one of the contractors involved in the project.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) clarified that archiving does not mean the case is dismissed. “It is a common step taken by the court to avoid clogging its schedule while the accused is not yet in custody,” an IBP representative explained. The case remains pending and will be heard immediately upon Co’s arrest or voluntary surrender.
Fugitive status prevents case from expiring
Because Co is considered a fugitive, the case cannot prescribe, regardless of how long he remains at large. Authorities believe Co is currently in France, where he has reportedly applied for asylum.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the government is reviewing the Sandiganbayan’s resolution. “We are studying the implications of this development on the ongoing efforts to bring Co to justice,” Remulla stated.
