MANILA, Philippines — Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco on Monday criticized the counsel of former Ako Bikol congressman Zaldy Co for proposing either house arrest or bail, following the Sandiganbayan’s order for Co’s arrest in connection with anomalous flood control projects.
Ruy Rondain, Co’s lawyer, floated the idea during a television interview, suggesting that such measures might encourage his client to return to the country to face charges.
Tiangco, however, rejected the proposal outright. “No bail is recommended for those charged with malversation and graft,” he told The Manila Times via Viber.
The veteran legislator stressed that these offenses are among the gravest crimes against the Filipino people. “What’s this? If an ordinary person is found stealing a small amount of money, he would be brought straight to jail. And if a person steals billions of pesos from the people’s hard-earned money, he would just be allowed house arrest or bail? No way. That’s totally insulting,” Tiangco said.
Rondain previously argued that house arrest or bail could persuade Co to return, noting that his client feared for his life while in detention.
Tiangco maintained that Co must face all charges “squarely while in jail, not at the comfort of his house.” He added, “Justice cannot be twisted to favor the powerful. The Filipino people are now running out of patience.”