Manila, Jan. 22 -- Malacanang on Tuesday said any possible surrender or cooperation by fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co is now a matter solely for the Office of the Ombudsman, as the administration reiterated its position of non-interference in the investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is open to hearing Co's statements if these would help establish the truth, but stressed that all parameters fall under the Ombudsman's authority.

"Sa ating pagkakarinig, siya po ay nais makipag-ugnayan sa Ombudsman. At ang sabi din naman ng Ombudsman, even before, na lahat ng proteksyon na kailangan niya ay ibibigay (From what we have heard, he wants to negotiate with the Ombudsman. A...