MANILA — The Philippine government can explore using the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to locate and arrest fugitive former Rep. Elizaldy Co, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said.

Adopted in 2003 and ratified by the Philippine Senate in 2006, UNCAC is a legally binding treaty that provides a framework for international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offenses. Lacson noted that 192 countries are signatories.

“One option the Philippine government may explore is to tap the UNCAC, where we are a signatory. Imagine, 192 countries signed the convention. If we tap the resources of 191 other countries, you can imagine how our efforts to locate and arrest Co will be easier,” he said in a DWIZ radio interview.

Article 38 of UNCAC mandates cooperation among state parties in investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses. Lacson said the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, and Department of Foreign Affairs could study this option to complement the Philippines’ request to Interpol for a red notice against Co, whose passport has been canceled.

Lacson also said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which he chairs, may subpoena documents recovered by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) from Co’s condominium to complete the panel’s records and aid legislation. He indicated that the committee may hold its next hearing on the flood control project controversy in 2026.

Independent People’s Commission bill

Lacson remains hopeful that the Senate will pass a bill creating an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) to investigate anomalous infrastructure projects before Christmas. He clarified that the IPC will focus on fact-finding and evidence-gathering and will not have prosecutorial powers, so it will not conflict with the Ombudsman.

No demoralization in the Senate

Despite the possible arrest of some members linked to the flood control project mess, Lacson said there is no demoralization in the Senate. “Our enthusiasm and desire to pass bills is still there,” he said, while acknowledging some sadness over the impending arrest warrants.

“Filipinos get hit twice — by corruption in the series of flood control projects, and by alleged extortion of taxpayers by corrupt BIR personnel,” he added. “Corruption must stop. There are those who just don’t know when to stop.”