FORMER Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co has “strong” evidence that could clear his name in the flood control scandal, his legal counsel said on Monday.
In a radio interview, Atty. Ruy Rondain said Co possesses several pieces of proof beyond the circulated photos of suitcases allegedly containing cash supposedly delivered to President Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“Pinakita niya sa akin ‘yung maraming ebidensya. Hindi ko alam kung kumpleto, pero ‘yung nakita ko ay matibay na matibay,” Rondain said.
He added that Co has documents, text messages, photographs, videos, and receipts related to both his accusations and the threats he has reportedly received.
Rondain also said Co kept records to show he did not receive kickbacks from government projects.
He urged the public to wait for Co to decide when and how he will release the evidence.
The lawyer, however, warned that Co’s return to the Philippines could immediately place him in danger. He said the Office of the Ombudsman is expected to file a non-bailable case, which could lead to Co’s arrest on his first day back in the country.
“Day 1 pa lang, may aresto na ‘yan. Day 1 pa lang, may kulong na ‘yan,” he said, comparing the possible charges to the cases filed in the past against former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former senator Leila de Lima, both later cleared.
Rondain said the filing of a non-bailable offense could mean Co may spend 10 to 15 years in jail while the case is tried. “In the end, mapo-prove ko na inosente siya, but in the meantime nakulong na siya ng sampung taon,” he said.
He added a more serious concern: “If he’s unlucky, which is my fear, papatayin ‘yan sa loob.”
Rondain challenged the government to guarantee bail for Co if it wants him to return. “Pauwiin ko ngayon ‘yan kung magbibigay sila ng bail. Hindi nila gagawin ‘yan,” he said.
