Ombudsman: Philippines should secure extradition treaties with European countries

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Following reports that former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co is hiding in France, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday said it was time for the Philippines to secure extradition treaties with European countries.

Aside from Co, Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste—both the subjects of plunder investigations before the Ombudsman—are also in France.

Speaking on dzRH, Remulla lamented the lack of an extradition treaty between the Philippines and France.

Remulla said Co, who is facing criminal charges over his alleged involvement in the flood control mess, was even able to buy an apartment on Avenue Montaigne in France. The Ombudsman also commented that Legarda, who is currently on medical leave, did not appear to want to return home.

“I think we should. At saka maraming Filipino doon,” Remulla said when asked whether he thought the Philippines should pursue more bilateral agreements or extradition treaties with European countries.

(I think we should. And there are many Filipinos there.)

Remulla is scheduled to travel to France, where he plans to meet with several international law enforcement agencies, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). He said he hopes to raise his concern that Europe could be turning into a hiding place for individuals facing criminal cases in the Philippines.

“They protect human rights. But will they protect white-collar criminals and those who got their money from corruption and are storing it within the country?” Remulla said.

His brother, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, is also scheduled to travel to France to meet with Interpol officials.

The Ombudsman may also travel to Brussels or The Hague in the Netherlands to meet with representatives from the European Union.

Remulla made no promises that he would return home with Co. However, his younger brother, Jonvic Remulla, expressed confidence that he could bring Co back to the Philippines. —Jean Mangaluz/VBL, GMA News