By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday declared that he does not “negotiate with criminals” after the camp of former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co allegedly attempted to “blackmail” the administration.
According to the President, Co’s lawyer supposedly said that they will no longer release video statements if the government will not cancel his passport.
“I do not negotiate with criminals. Kahit maglabas ka na ng video ng lahat ng kasinungalingan mo na pag-destabilize sa gobyerno,” Marcos said in a video report posted on his Facebook page.
“Gusto kong malaman mo Zaldy makakansela pa rin ang passport mo. Hindi ka na makakatakas sa hustisya,” he added.
The President made the remarks amid Co’s supposed revelations on alleged budget insertions involving Marcos, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In a Malacañang press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro hits inconsistencies in Co’s claims, raising doubts on the credibility of his videos.
“Mas maganda po siguro na tapusin muna, kung siya man po ang nagsasalita, ang kaniyang mga mensahe, ang kaniyang diumanong mga kuwento,” Castro said.
Castro noted that Co’s videos appeared to have been recorded at different times, citing changes in his appearance.
“Sa tuwing mapupuna natin ang kaniyang mga inconsistencies, nababago rin po ang kaniyang statements,” she said.
The Palace mouthpiece reiterated Marcos’ call for Co to return to the Philippines and face the charges against him.
“Mas maganda, ayon sa Pangulo, umuwi siya rito at dito niya ikuwento lahat ng nais niyang ikuwento. Dahil kapag nagkukuwento ka lang sa likod ng monitor, ang hirap tingnan at i-assess ang credibility ng taong nagtatago lang,” Castro stressed.
Co remains at-large amid the issuance of an arrest warrant against him as well as Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and Sunwest Corp. employees for an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has secured two more freeze orders covering 3,566 bank accounts, 198 insurance policies, 247 motor vehicles, 178 real properties, 16 e-wallet accounts, as well as Co’s air assets valued at about P4 billion. (with report from Clay Pardilla / PTV News)
-jpv
