The Marcos administration is open to exploring the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to locate fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, charged with graft and malversation over a flood control project.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson suggested leveraging the treaty’s 191 signatory countries to aid in Co’s arrest.
UNCAC mandates international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offenses, but the Department of Justice said no active coordination with the UN has started yet.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro noted that Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro supports activating the Presidential UNCAC Inter-Agency Committee to implement and monitor the convention.
Co is believed to be in Portugal, prompting authorities to consider international legal assistance mechanisms under the treaty.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 16, 2025
