Atty. Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, legal counsel of embattled former lawmaker and contractor Zaldy Co, has categorically denied claims from Malacañang that a lawyer of his client attempted to blackmail the government into halting the cancellation of Co’s passport. The allegation emerged after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly stated that someone linked to Co approached his office, allegedly threatening that Co would “stop releasing videos” if the government did not cancel his passport.
Speaking in an extensive interview, Co’s lawyer dismissed the accusation as “ridiculous,” emphasizing that neither he nor anyone in Co’s legal team has the authority or leverage to bargain with the Palace.
“I did not approach the President, nor anyone from his office,” the attorney said. “I have no control over the videos, no control over their content, timing, or release. And the Palace does not control the passport cancellation. Why would two parties negotiate over things neither of them controls? It doesn’t make sense.”
The lawyer further clarified that if the Palace indeed referred to him in its accusations, “they were misinformed.”
Co’s Whereabouts Unknown, but Communication Remains Open
When pressed on Co’s current whereabouts, the lawyer insisted he has “no idea,” claiming he purposely avoided asking Co for details so he would not be placed in a position where he might be forced to lie.
Despite this, he confirmed that he communicates with Co regularly via standard mobile communication—not through satellite phones or encrypted systems. Co, he said, is not in hiding with weapons, nor is he preparing for a physical confrontation. However, returning to the Philippines is currently not an option, as the legal team plans to first fight the warrants filed against him.
“As his counsel, I want the opportunity to contest the warrants and the basis for the charges,” he said. “He did not flee to escape prosecution, so he is not a fugitive under the law.”
Passport Cancellation Not Yet Implemented
Although the Department of Justice earlier announced an order to cancel Co’s passport, the lawyer revealed that as of the previous day, no formal cancellation order had been transmitted to them.
He added that one of the Sandiganbayan divisions sent a directive giving them five days to respond to the motion to cancel the passport—further indicating that the process remains ongoing.
Asked whether Co still uses his Philippine passport while abroad, the lawyer said he does not know. However, he acknowledged that if Co were traveling under his Philippine passport, authorities could easily track his movements through immigration stamps.
More Videos Expected; Lawyer Says Testimony Is Incomplete
Co has been releasing a series of explosive videos alleging widespread corruption involving high-ranking officials, including President Marcos Jr., former Speaker Martin Romualdez, the First Lady, and several Cabinet members.
His lawyer said he believes more videos will be released based on their private conversations.
“What he has released so far is not the complete story,” he said. “If you’ve watched his latest videos, he himself confirmed there is more.”
According to the attorney, Co’s presentation style—non-chronological and scattered—is further proof that he is not helping produce the videos.
“If I were involved, the videos would be more logical and chronological,” he said. “The disorganized style actually shows I have no hand in it.”
Evidence: Photos, Documents, Receipts, and Testimonies
One of the most discussed elements of Co’s videos is the series of photographs showing suitcases allegedly filled with cash delivered to top officials. Critics questioned whether there was any proof the suitcases contained money.
The lawyer responded that while he did not see photos of open suitcases, he had been “convinced” by the totality of the evidence Co showed him privately.
He confirmed that Co has:
Photographic evidence
Documentary evidence
Receipts
Testimonial evidence from individuals involved in alleged deliveries
“When he goes under oath, his testimony will be admissible,” the lawyer said, addressing criticism that Co’s statements currently have limited legal weight.
He also reaffirmed that Co can identify individuals who allegedly received cash at Malacañang and other locations.
Why Co Has Not Executed a Formal Affidavit Abroad
Many observers have questioned why Co has not gone to a Philippine embassy to formalize his testimony as an affidavit.
The lawyer explained that Co is not trying to initiate a judicial proceeding but is instead making what he calls a “dead man’s declaration”—a public record of testimony released out of fear for his life.
“This makes his statements admissible later if something happens to him,” the lawyer said.
Involvement of High-Ranking Officials
Co’s videos implicate several prominent figures:
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos
Senior officials of the DPWH and DBM
Former Speaker Martin Romualdez
Congressman Sandro Marcos
The First Lady’s brother, allegedly linked to rice and onion cartels
The lawyer confirmed that Co has textual and documentary evidence supporting portions of his allegations.
He also said Co claims to have delivered “over ₱50 billion” in cash over the past three years, averaging ₱2 billion per month.
When asked how Co could prove such a large figure, the lawyer said he believes Co has detailed records that, when added together, reflect the total value of alleged deliveries.
Does Co Want to Become a State Witness?
The lawyer said Co does not intend to volunteer as a witness against Romualdez, the President, or anyone else.
However, he acknowledged that if subpoenaed, Co will be compelled to testify.
Political Backing? Lawyer Says None
Responding to speculation that powerful political factions may be supporting Co, the lawyer insisted that Co has not made deals with any political bloc.
“He is doing this on his own,” he said. “Out of fear.”
Legal Strategy Moving Forward
The defense team plans to contest all charges filed against Co, including those involving a DPWH project in Muro, where prosecutors claim his former company, Sunwest, delivered substandard work.
The lawyer emphasized that Co divested from Sunwest when he entered politics, meaning he no longer had financial interest in the firm and therefore cannot be held criminally liable for its alleged violations.
“Sunwest’s actions cannot be imputed to him,” he said.
Conclusion
The widening controversy around Zaldy Co continues to disrupt political stability in the Philippines. As Co’s allegations reach deeper into the highest levels of the administration, questions about governance, corruption, and accountability intensify.
With more videos expected and formal charges pending, both the government and Co’s camp appear to be preparing for a prolonged legal and political battle.
