In a rapidly developing story that has captured national attention, new information has surfaced regarding the whereabouts of former Congressman Zaldico, the elusive billionaire politician who has been the subject of an intense manhunt following allegations of massive corruption and government contract manipulation.
According to an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) based in Europe, authorities may now have the breakthrough they have been waiting for. The OFW, identified only as Alias Joyce, claimed in an exclusive radio interview that Zaldico is “100%” in the country where she currently works—strongly suggesting that he may have finally been located after months of evasion.
This revelation comes amidst growing pressure for Zaldico to face charges in the Philippines, where multiple investigations—and a possible Interpol Red Notice—are looming.
A Breakthrough Lead: “He Is Here in Europe”
Alias Joyce did not disclose her exact location for safety reasons, but asserted with certainty that Zaldico is hiding somewhere in Europe, accompanied by three Filipino drivers who allegedly assist him in his movements.
Earlier statements from Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla hinted at the same possibility, with Remulla revealing that intelligence reports point to Portugal as Zaldico’s current hideout. He was reportedly using a Portuguese passport, raising further questions about how he managed to obtain one.
Joyce added that Zaldico’s drivers regularly fetch him from a European airport where his private jet is stationed, signifying that he continues to enjoy extreme mobility and luxury despite being wanted by authorities. One of the drivers was identified as a certain Toto Sirabia, a detail that adds weight to the OFW’s account.
“There’s no doubt he can be captured if authorities track the movements of his three drivers,” she said.
NBI Raids BGC Condo Units Owned by Zaldico
Back in the Philippines, developments have also intensified. Yesterday, operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided two condominium units in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, properties allegedly owned by Zaldico. The operation was conducted under a court order issued by the Makati Regional Trial Court.
According to NBI sources, the objective of the raid was to secure documents that may be destroyed—documents potentially linked to bid rigging, manipulation of flood control projects, and advance payment records involving favored contractors. These pieces of evidence could establish a trail of corruption amounting to hundreds of millions—if not billions—of pesos.
Two key whistleblowers, construction supplier Orle Goteza and former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara, previously testified that bags filled with “millions in kickbacks” were regularly delivered to Zaldico’s units in the same BGC complex. These testimonies were the basis for the NBI’s recent operation.
During the raid, seven lawyers representing Zaldico arrived to monitor the search—a sign that the former congressman’s legal team had been prepared for this development.
A Billionaire on the Run
Zaldico’s ability to evade arrest has raised eyebrows across the country. With alleged access to enormous financial resources, multiple air assets, and a network of loyal personnel, critics believe he prepared for this scenario long before charges were filed.
Despite releasing videos on social media claiming innocence, many remain unconvinced.
“How can the public trust someone who refuses to face the law?” political observers argued. “No amount of self-produced videos can replace real testimony under cross-examination.”
In fact, critics point out that his refusal to return to the Philippines undermines his own narrative—suggesting guilt rather than vindication.
Portugal: The Emerging Focal Point of the Manhunt
While Europe consists of dozens of countries, Portugal is emerging as the most likely refuge for the wanted politician.
Remulla earlier stated that intelligence units have been tracking movements linked to Zaldico’s network in the country, and the new OFW testimony aligns suspiciously well with government findings.
If confirmed, Zaldico’s stay in Portugal could accelerate discussions on:
Interpol Red Notice issuance
Potential extradition
Seizure of foreign assets
Multiple agencies, both local and international, are believed to be in coordination—though much of the operation remains classified.
Public Reaction: Why Believe a Man Accused of Corruption?
Zaldico’s supporters continue to defend him online, but critics argue that blind loyalty has no place in a case as serious as this.
“How can anyone trust a man accused of stealing billions?” a legal analyst said. “His wealth alone contradicts his claims of innocence.”
Many Filipinos were particularly disturbed by whistleblower accounts detailing truckloads of cash and flown-in bags of money. For many, the allegations paint a picture of a political dynasty thriving on systematic abuse of power.
What Comes Next?
With the latest lead pointing strongly to Europe—and specifically to Portugal—the pressure is now on local and foreign authorities to act quickly. Analysts believe the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice would be the turning point, as it would greatly restrict Zaldico’s ability to move or hide.
If captured, he will face:
Multiple graft charges
Allegations of bid rigging
Investigations into foreign bank accounts
Possible tax evasion cases
Potential involvement in “ghost projects” in DPWH
The stakes are enormous, not just for Zaldico but for government officials who may also be implicated should the investigation deepen.
Conclusion
After months of speculation, the hunt for Zaldico appears closer than ever to a breakthrough. With OFW eyewitness accounts, intelligence reports pointing to Portugal, and a string of NBI operations uncovering potential evidence, momentum is clearly shifting.
The public now waits for the next move:
Will the billionaire politician be caught abroad?
Will the Interpol Red Notice be issued?
And how deep will this corruption case truly go?
As always, this developing story continues to unfold—fast, dramatic, and with national consequences.
