Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante called on the four individuals known as the 'maleta boys,' alleged bagmen for former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, to come forward and disclose the full truth. He urged them to identify those who prepared their affidavits.
One of the 'maleta boys,' former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, alleged they were offered P20 to P25 million to retract an affidavit implicating government officials.
Investigators are pushing for former House speaker Martin Romualdez, ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co, and others to be charged with plunder and money laundering over an alleged P56-billion corruption scheme.
Philippine Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo has filed defamation complaints against former Congressman Mike Defensor and other individuals. The lawsuits stem from allegations made against Tulfo regarding flood control projects and a 'Blue Ribbon hearing'.
The Sandiganbayan Seventh Division has ordered the archiving of a graft case against former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who has remained at large for over six months.
Commission on Elections Chairperson George Erwin Garcia has vehemently denied allegations that he received P10 million from associates of former congressman Zaldy Co, dismissing them as entirely false.
Lanao del Sur Representative Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong has filed a cyber libel complaint against 18 former bodyguards of ex-Rep. Zaldy Co at the Marawi City Prosecutors Office. The complaint targets men, some of whom are former soldiers.
Iloilo Representative Janette Garin has filed a cyberlibel and perjury complaint against lawyer Levi Baligod and 18 former bodyguards of Elizaldy Co, following accusations of receiving illicit funds.
Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon stated that the decision of 18 bodyguards of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co to skip a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing casts doubt on their allegations.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines has interviewed 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, though only five have signed their testimonies.
Eighteen alleged 'bagmen' snubbed a Blue Ribbon probe led by Tulfo, while alleged ex-bodyguards of Zaldy Co retracted claims against Legarda but not Mark Villar.
Another 14 former employees of ex-Congressman Zaldy Co are prepared to testify before the Senate investigation, according to Atty. Levito Baligod, adding to the 18 who previously claimed to be his bagmen.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has officially distanced itself from former House appropriations committee chair Zaldy Co’s staff or bodyguards who claimed to have delivered cash kickbacks.
Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co’s legal counsel, Ruy Rondain, arrived at the Senate to attend a blue ribbon committee hearing regarding graft and malversation charges related to flood control.
Philippines Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed willingness to 'kneel' before Interpol to secure a red notice for fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co, calling it the 'only hope' for his return.
A diplomatic source from the Department of Foreign Affairs has disclosed that Zaldy Co, a fugitive former Ako Bicol party-list representative, is currently in Paris, France.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed disappointment but remains hopeful for cooperation with French and Czech envoys to bring Zaldy Co to justice. The Palace stated that the Philippines is actively tracking Co.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has criticized the government, stating it is to blame for the release from custody of fugitive ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co.
Malacañang has distanced President Marcos from claims regarding the alleged arrest of Zaldy Co, whose whereabouts remain unclear. The situation has created a "debacle" as officials clarify the government's position.
The Philippine Department of Justice chief is heading to Prague to seek the return of Zaldy Co, but the mission is expected to encounter significant legal obstacles.
The Philippine government, led by the Marcos administration, is actively preparing for the safe return of Zaldy Co, guaranteeing his security and outlining plans for his processing by authorities upon arrival. High-level talks are underway with Czech officials to facilitate his repatriation.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is responsible for releasing details regarding the arrest of former House of Representatives appropriations chairperson Zaldy Co in the Czech Republic.
President Marcos has provided an update on his government's efforts to bring resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co back to the Philippines, stating the process will take 'enough time' and be done in accordance with the law.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Henry Alcantara testified before the Sandiganbayan, claiming he delivered P800 million in cash to former lawmaker Zaldy Co. The testimony is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged deals.
A lawyer from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) revealed that P802 million from Sunwest Construction and Development Corp. was deposited into the bank accounts of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co between 2019 and 2025, during a hearing at the Sandiganbayan.
A witness testified that Zaldy Co received P802 million in bank deposits from Sunwest Incorporated, which the prosecution claims proves Co's beneficial ownership of the company.
Global oil prices are climbing and stock markets are falling, including a €17 billion loss for Greek stocks, as investors perceive no immediate end to the ongoing war, exacerbating Middle East tensions and driving up fuel costs. Markets are particularly rattled by concerns over potential blockages of key chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, with Wall Street's 'fear gauge' spiking and Asian airlines raising ticket prices. Irish economists warn of escalating global recession risks, while New Zealand's Pharmac monitors medicine supply risks, all contributing to looming energy and supply crises.
Defense lawyers have declined to question a former Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer who was presented as a witness in the malversation case against former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
According to NBI director Melvin Matibag, only six of the eighteen alleged 'bagmen' of fugitive ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co have signed the testimony they provided to the National Bureau of Investigation.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo said that he received a total of P130 million in "balato" (gratitude money) from fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy…
MANILA, Philippines — Eight of the 18 alleged former Marines who recently claimed to be “bagmen” of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co were found to be “not assigned” to the former congressman, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said. In an interview at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City on Wednesday, Matibag
The Sandiganbayan has issued a writ of preliminary attachment on 16 properties of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who faces graft charges involving an allegedly substandard flood control project…
An evangelical leader named as a witness in the joint affidavit of 18 alleged former Marines-turned-'bagmen' for former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co has clarified his role, stating it does not imply endorsement.
MANILA, Philippines — The lawyer of the 18 supposed “bagmen” of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co on Thursday admitted a possible “oversight” in naming Mamamayang Liberal partylist Rep. Leila de Lima among the lawmakers who allegedly received suitcases of cash as kickbacks from flood control projects. Atty. Levito “Levi” Baligod’s admission directly contradicted
MANILA, Philippines–Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Tuesday denied allegations that he received $2 million–or any amount of money–from former Rep. Elizaldy Co in connection with the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into the crimes against humanity of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Trillanes also vowed to file cyberlibel charges against several personalities who
Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante has challenged the four alleged 'maleta boys,' or bagmen of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, to disclose the truth and identify those behind the affidavits they have since retracted.
Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that the decision of four former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co to recant their testimonies only raises more questions and causes public confusion.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced he would follow up with Interpol regarding a red notice request against former House of Representatives appropriation chairperson Zaldy Co.
The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division in the Philippines has junked a motion by Zaldy Co’s co-accused to inhibit the court from their non-bailable malversation case.
A fact-check report has confirmed that a video featuring Zaldy Co, claiming the Marcos government is harassing critics, is an AI-generated deepfake. Artificial intelligence detection tools flagged the video as 99% likely to be fake.
Columnist Ramon Tulfo has denied claims by a self-proclaimed former aide of ex-congressman Zaldy Co that he received money from Co, stating he wished the claims were true.
New cyber libel complaints have been filed against 18 former bodyguards of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, this time by Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, who claims he was defamed by allegations.
The Ombudsman is continuing its investigation by interviewing 18 individuals identified as Zaldy Co's alleged 'bodyguards.' This comes as a Manila solon has filed libel and cyber libel charges against Co's alleged 'bagmen,' lawyer, and the 18 former bodyguards.
The NBI and Ombudsman in the Philippines are investigating claims made by 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, emphasizing the need for individual affidavits to proceed.
Philippine Senator Erwin Tulfo has filed a 'grave oral defamation' complaint against three former bodyguards of ex-Congressman Zaldy Co, who allegedly implicated him in a flood control scandal.
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate blue ribbon panel may cite the 18 alleged bagmen of former congressman Zaldy Co in contempt and order their arrest should they continue to ignore its invitations to…
A hearing led by Senator Tulfo tested the testimony of alleged former bodyguards of resigned congressman Zaldy Co, who skipped the proceedings to hold a simultaneous press conference.
The camp of drug war critic Fr. Flaviano Villanueva has denied accusations from alleged former Marines that he received money from former party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, stating that legal action will be pursued.
The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division in the Philippines has junked a petition by co-accused of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co to dismiss a non-bailable malversation of funds case. The case involves falsification of public documents.
Fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co is reportedly hiding in a 200-million-euro mansion on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. This information was shared by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
French and Czech diplomats reportedly remained tight-lipped when President Marcos personally requested information about flood control scam suspect Zaldy Co, citing a lack of authority to speak on the matter.
Zaldy Co, a prominent figure, is reportedly seeking political asylum in France, a development highlighted in today's headlines alongside news concerning Harry Roque and Taylor Swift.
The Philippine government has stated it has no specific information regarding the current whereabouts of Zaldy Co, amidst public inquiry into his location.
The Philippine Palace stated that it is being "careful" in not releasing photos and videos of former lawmaker Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co's arrest, amid doubts about its legitimacy.
An editorial discusses Zaldy Co's significance in the public's pursuit of truth regarding flood control corruption in the Philippines. The piece reflects on his potential role in uncovering details of the scandal.
A former official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) testified about alleged P800 million kickbacks delivered to then Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co. The testimony detailed an instance of a large sum being delivered.
Zaldy Co, a key suspect in a major corruption scandal in the Philippines, has been arrested in Prague, Czech Republic, a development confirmed by President Marcos.
A report highlights Zaldy Co's P802 million in bank deposits from Sunwest, which is crucial for the prosecution's case alleging his beneficial ownership and involvement in anomalous flood control contracts.
Eight luxury cars, valued at P143 million and allegedly connected to former lawmaker Zaldy Co, have been moved to the Bureau of Customs compound in Manila after being temporarily held elsewhere.
Henry Alcantara appeared at the Sandiganbayan to testify against Zaldy Co, with the prosecution asserting that Alcantara's testimony serves as proof that Co is a contractor.
Transport groups in the Philippines have criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to suspend an approved fare hike for land vehicles, arguing that their request for a P1 increase was urgent due to the ongoing fuel crisis.
Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified in court that he received P130 million as 'balato' (share) from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, detailing the alleged scheme.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo will be a witness in the Sandiganbayan trial against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and other DPWH officials.
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday hailed the 18 former Marines who acted as alleged bagmen of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, and said that this only “proved” initial information that the government had been coordinating with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The vice president also said that the revelations by
The Department of Justice is reviewing resolutions on plunder complaints against former congressman Zaldy Co and malversation against former senator Ramon Revilla Jr.
Ten of the 18 alleged bagmen, known as 'maleta boys,' of former lawmaker Zaldy Co were arrested in Manila after failing to post bail for four counts of perjury.
The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines announced that testimonies from former bodyguards of Zaldy Co against Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez are supported by independent evidence.
The co-accused of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, former public works engineer Juliet, presented herself to the police before a warrant of arrest was issued, a point agreed upon by both defense and prosecution.
The Sandiganbayan has ordered the archiving of a graft case against former congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who remains at large six months after his arrest order.
House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos has expressed skepticism regarding claims made by 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, suggesting the accusations are politically motivated.
Senator Kiko Pangilinan stated his intention to file a slander lawsuit against individuals identified as former employees of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
One of the alleged former bodyguards of ex-congressman Zaldy Co appeared before the Office of the Ombudsman as part of a fact-finding investigation into a flood control probe.
An article discusses why it is inaccurate to refer to Zaldy Co’s former security aides as ‘ex-Marines,’ noting that only a few of the 18 individuals can be accurately described as such.
National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag stated that there are indications the testimonies of 18 alleged bagmen of former lawmaker Zaldy Co may have been 'coached' and 'coordinated'.
Despite their flip-flopping accusations, the 18 alleged bagmen of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co yesterday stood by their claims that Senators Mark Villar and Francis Escudero, as well as Rep.
Former employees of Rep. Zaldy Co have retracted their earlier claims of delivering cash-filled luggage to Senator Loren Legarda, according to their lawyer Levito Baligod.
House prosecutor Terry Ridon challenged 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co to appear before the Senate blue ribbon committee and repeat their allegations under oath.
Palawan Representative Jose Alvarez has questioned his sudden inclusion in a list of lawmakers allegedly receiving money from former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, suggesting it might be retaliation for his refusal to endorse an impeachment complaint.
The Philippine anti-graft court, Sandiganbayan, has denied a motion filed by a co-accused of Zaldy Co, seeking to dismiss a flood control case. This decision means the trial will now proceed as scheduled, requiring the defense to present its arguments.
Zaldy Co has been detained, but Czech and French envoys were reportedly unable to provide further information regarding his whereabouts and status to President Marcos. Manila is exploring informal ways to gather more details.
Zaldy Co, a figure reportedly involved in a high-profile case, is seeking political asylum in France. The Philippine Department of Justice confirmed that he is no longer under Czech custody.
The Philippine government has finalized and submitted all necessary documents to the Interpol Secretariat for a red notice against former lawmaker Zaldy Co. Co is currently a fugitive, and the red notice aims to facilitate his apprehension.
The US Justice Department's internal watchdog will investigate the department's handling of the recently unsealed Jeffrey Epstein court documents. This probe follows public scrutiny and growing fallout over the disclosure of names linked to the disgraced financier.
The justice chief is heading to the Czech Republic to handle the return of Zaldy Co. This suggests a significant legal or extradition matter requiring high-level intervention.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that a high-level team is being sent to Czechia to facilitate the return of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co. Marcos stated that Co will be held accountable to Filipinos upon his return.
The Philippine Senate is being urged to finalize its investigation into an alleged flood control scam, with calls for accountability upon the return of key figures. Concerns have been raised that personal ties are stalling the probe, prompting the Ombudsman to request SALNs from House members.
Filipino businessman Zaldy Co has been arrested in Europe, initially in Germany and then transferred to the Czech Republic, in connection with an ongoing corruption probe into flood control projects in the Philippines. Philippine authorities are preparing for his potential return and facing calls to expedite his extradition.
The prosecution's case against Zaldy Co is building on the theory that he is the beneficial owner of Sunwest, a contractor allegedly involved in corruption.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) revealed that former Ako-Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, now a fugitive, allegedly received P802 million from contractor Sunwest Inc. between 2019 and 2025, during a malversation inquiry.
The Sandiganbayan court in the Philippines has upheld its no-bail ruling against officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The officials are co-accused with Zaldy Co in a P289-million project case.
The prosecution asserts that Henry Alcantara's testimony confirms Zaldy Co's role as a contractor for Bulacan Projects, indicating his involvement in the construction business at that time.
Henry Alcantara, a former DPWH official and now state witness, is set to testify in the malversation case against resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co, strengthening the prosecution's case.
Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo says the money was probably given to him as a 'token of gratitude,' adding that he was told that the money allegedly came from Co
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has identified a retired general who allegedly recruited 103 people, including 18 alleged former Marines, to serve as security aides for former congressman Zaldy Co, adding a new twist to a corruption story.
The National Bureau of Investigation is probing the identities and backgrounds of former Marines who claimed to have served as bagmen and security aides for former lawmaker Zaldy Co.
MANILA, Philippines — The resolutions for the plunder case against former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and the malversation case against former Senator Bong Revilla are now under review, according to Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Polo Martinez. Co’s plunder and Revilla’s malversation cases were connected to the flood control anomalies currently being investigated
The lawyer representing 18 alleged 'bagmen' of former Rep. Elizaldy Co has requested the Ombudsman to investigate 33 lawmakers accused of accepting money.