FEBRUARY 3, 2026 — Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, through his lawyer Atty. Ruy Rondain, has made it clear: he will neither initiate nor agree to any restitution. 

“Restitution presupposes that something was taken,” Rondain said. 

In other words, Co insists he owes nothing back.

Co faces a Sandiganbayan warrant of arrest for graft and malversation over an allegedly anomalous road dike project in Oriental Mindoro. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier revealed that some individuals approached him claiming Co wanted dialogue, but the Ombudsman stressed: return the alleged stolen funds first.

Rondain, however, denied any “feelers” sent to the government. 

“Wala din feelers siya na pinadala. Kung meron man kumausap sa government, hindi niya authorized yun,” he said. 

(He also did not send feelers. If anyone spoke to the government, it was not authorized by him.)

So here we are: a former congressman accused of pocketing millions from flood control projects, refusing restitution, and hesitant to return to the Philippines due to supposed threats to his life. The question is, does he truly believe he did nothing wrong? Does he believe all his accumulated wealth is legally his?

And if restitution is off the table, what does justice look like for ordinary Filipinos who pay taxes, endure floods, and watch politicians walk away untouched?

The refusal to even entertain restitution isn’t just a legal stance — it’s a statement. So is denial the easiest defense?

(Image: Rep. Zaldy Co | Facebook)