P1 billion bribe attempted to stop flood control probe—DILG chief Remulla

Department of the Interior and Local Government Sec. Jonvic Remulla and his brother, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, were allegedly offered P1 billion to stop the flood control probe by those linked to anomalous projects.

"May lumapit sa'kin through an intermediary, nag-offer saming magkaptid ng P1 billion para matapos ang kaso nila," he told Bilyonaryo in a Jan. 9 interview.

"Pero no deal. Nabigla ako roon eh. Sabi ko, 'wag na."

Remulla also mentioned that the Anti-Money Laundering Council has frozen over P20 billion in illegally acquired wealth from anomalous flood control projects. He added that this is expected to reach P100 billion.

Furthermore, he said that more cases will be filed against those involved in ghost projects. "I think the cases will progress. A lot is currently happening."

On Jan. 13, Remulla said in a press briefing that the government is looking into all legal avenues to repatriate ex-Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co, who is believed to be in Portugal. 

“Nagbigay na ng instructions ang president na formally mag-apply na kami ng extradition treaty sa kanila kahit wala pang formal extradition treaty between the two countries. But through the Interpol, mag-request na kami ng repatriation ni Zaldy Co kung nasa Portugal talaga siya,” Remulla said.

The SILG also told reporters in a phone interview that the government may coordinate with the Interpol, UN, or other agencies to bring back Co, adding that seeking an extradition treaty with Portugal is "almost impossible."

"It will take too long. A treaty takes years and years, so the other avenues possible are being studied," he said.

The Bureau of Customs recently confiscated at least eight vehicles linked to Co at a condominium in Bonifacio Global City.

Co, who is currently at large, is wanted for graft and malversation in connection with his alleged involvement in the fraudulent P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. His passport has since been cancelled. (with reports from Emmanuel Tupas and Alexis Romero)