MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has ruled that former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co cannot participate in court proceedings or seek judicial relief until he surrenders, following his declaration as a fugitive from justice.

In a 16-page resolution dated February 3, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division granted the prosecution’s manifestation and declared Co a fugitive.

“After an accused is declared to be a fugitive from justice, such accused loses standing, cannot participate in the proceedings, and cannot seek any judicial relief,” the court said.

Co, who left the country in 2025 for medical reasons, has yet to return following the filing of malversation and graft charges over the allegedly substandard P289-million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The anti-graft court had earlier cancelled his Philippine passports.

The prosecution argued that Supreme Court rules barring fugitives from seeking judicial relief apply to Co. Co’s lawyers countered that he has not been convicted, left the country before charges were filed, and remains abroad due to safety concerns.

The Sandiganbayan said it is “high time” to apply the mandate to individuals who have committed or are suspected of committing crimes and have fled beyond the country’s jurisdiction.

“Adopting such mandate strengthens the justice system and due process rights, to which both the accused and the State are equally entitled,” the court said.

In late January, Co filed a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court against Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, seeking a temporary restraining order on the Ombudsman’s resolution recommending charges against him. The Supreme Court will deliberate on whether Co’s petition is covered by the rule barring fugitives from seeking judicial relief.

Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan denied the prosecution’s request to expunge the entry of appearance of Co’s lawyers and other submissions filed on his behalf.