Marcos goes after Zaldy Co's air assets; Alcantara returns ₱110 M

President Marcos has ordered transport and aviation authorities to coordinate with their counterparts in Malaysia and Singapore to track down helicopters and aircraft allegedly linked to former congressman Zaldy Co, saying the government will not allow stolen public assets to be used to evade the law.

- ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS, JEFFREY DAMICOG, and CHITO CHAVEZ

In a video message on Friday, Nov. 28, the President said the aviation assets, reportedly registered under Misibis Aviation and Development Corporation, appear to be “hidden” in the two countries.

He added that the AntiMoney Laundering Council (AMLC) has already issued a freeze order on the aircraft, restricting any movement or disposition.

"The helicopters and planes appear to have been hidden in the two countries." Marcos said.

Marcos reminded fugitives that state resources cannot be used as escape tools.

"You cannot steal from the Filipino people and expect to hide or fly away on your private jets," he said.

"You may have the money to run, but you cannot outrun the Republic of the Philippines," the President added.

President Marcos renewed his call on Co and other fugitives to return home and face against the charges them, stressing that they are no longer tourists.

P110 M returned to gov't

As this developed, Marcos confirmed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has received P110 million from dismissed Department of Public Works and HighwaysBulacan First Engineering District engineer Henry Alcantara, one of the individuals implicated in the flood control scandal.

Marcos said Alcantara committed to returning an additional P200 million within two weeks.

The money in cash was turned over to acting DOJ Secretary Fredderick A. Vida by Alcantara's lawyer Emil Joven, with DOJ officials and representatives of the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Bureau of Treasury witnessing the turnover.

"This is part of the conditions and terms as well as a show of good faith," Vida said.

He also said Alcantara will help in the recovery of the misused public funds for the Filipinos to achieve justice.

In a press conference, Vida presented to the media at the DOJ the cash turned over by Alcantara.