Ombudsman to Visit France, Seek Cooperation on Legarda, Co Cases

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Monday that he will visit France to coordinate with authorities regarding Senator Loren Legarda and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who are currently staying there amid their ongoing cases in the Philippines. Remulla stated in a press conference, "I will go to France in the coming days to talk to French authorities, because France should not be a safe haven for plunderers and ill-gotten wealth." He added, referring to Co and Legarda's presence in France, "So this is becoming a trend that, maybe, the country is being used as a hideout. We will make their world smaller." Co faces two counts of malversation over an alleged P77 million worth of a non-existent flood control project in Bulacan and a P289.4 million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro. Prosecutors claim these projects had structural deficiencies. Meanwhile, Legarda, along with her son Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, is accused by prosecutors of "conspiring to secure exclusive government rights over the country’s solar energy resources through legislative and regulatory actions," allegedly resulting in over P10.44 billion in unpaid financial obligations to the government. Legarda, who initially filed for medical leave on August 3, has extended her leave for the fifth time until September 16. Both Co, Legarda, and Leviste have consistently denied the allegations against them. Remulla mentioned he has no information on whether Co and Legarda have already applied for asylum in France. "I have no information, but that is (seeking asylum) now in the offing… but if they saw that they would have a reputation of being a hideout for ill-gotten wealth, I think the people there will also refuse them," he said. This development highlights the Ombudsman's concern over potential flight of individuals facing corruption charges and the need for international cooperation in pursuing justice. The specifics of any extradition or mutual legal assistance agreements between the Philippines and France are expected to be discussed during Remulla's visit.