In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the Philippines, the walls seem to be closing in on former Congressman Zaldy Co. Just as the public began to wonder about the whereabouts and silence of the controversial figure amidst ongoing investigations into budget insertions and flood control anomalies, a voice from miles away has emerged to fill the void. A former driver based in Paris has stepped forward, providing testimony that not only pins down the elusive politician’s location but also peels back the curtain on a lifestyle of unimaginable luxury that stands in stark contrast to the public servant persona.

The revelation comes from an exclusive interview conducted by The Filipino Correspondent Network (TFCN), which tracked down the driver, identified as Toto Sarabia. For weeks, rumors had circulated that Co was hiding out in Portugal or other parts of Europe to evade the intensifying scrutiny back home. However, Sarabia’s admission changes the narrative entirely. He confirmed that he served as Co’s driver in Paris as recently as July of this year. This timeline is critical, as it coincides perfectly with the explosion of the “flood control” scandal and the heated debates regarding the 2025 national budget. While the Philippines was in uproar over billions in questionable allocations, the man at the center of the storm was allegedly being chauffeured through the streets of Paris.

Sarabia initially attempted to downplay his knowledge, stating he was merely a driver and knew nothing of his employer’s deeper dealings. He claimed that the wealth Co enjoyed was the result of “30 years of hard work” by the family in Paris. However, investigative journalists and other sources have pointed out glaring inconsistencies in this defense. The most damning piece of evidence challenges the “hard work” narrative: a reported property located at 31 Avenue Montaigne. For those unfamiliar with Parisian real estate, Avenue Montaigne is not just a street; it is the epicenter of high fashion and extreme wealth, home to the flagship stores of Dior, Chanel, and Valentino. Owning a residence here is reserved for the world’s billionaires, not merely successful hardworking families.

The cognitive dissonance between the driver’s defense and the reality of the situation is staggering. Reports indicate that this property has been linked to Co since 2022. Furthermore, another source, identified as alias “Joyce,” a former employee of the family, corroborated these claims and added even more sensational details. According to Joyce, the lifestyle enjoyed by the Co family in Paris went far beyond simple comfort. She recounted an instance where a Burberry shop was reportedly closed to the public specifically for a private party hosted for Co’s child. Such a display of exclusivity and opulence—shutting down a luxury store for a personal event—is a hallmark of the ultra-wealthy and raises uncomfortable questions about the source of such funds, especially for a public official.

The driver’s testimony also inadvertently highlighted the existence of private air travel. While Sarabia claimed he didn’t know if Co owned a private plane, he admitted to dropping him off at airports. This aligns with other whispers and unverified reports about a private jet parked at Le Bourget, an airport famous for servicing private aviation in Paris. The contradiction in the driver’s statement—denying knowledge of the plane while confirming airport runs—has only fueled further speculation. It appears to be a classic case of a subordinate trying to protect his employer but accidentally revealing too much in the process.

This development is being hailed as a “Game Over” moment by critics and observers. The phrase “lumiliit na ang mundo” (the world is getting smaller) has become the rallying cry for those seeking accountability. It signifies that no matter how far one runs, the truth has a way of catching up. In this case, the truth traveled from the session halls of the Philippine Congress all the way to the fashion districts of Paris. The emergence of witnesses like Sarabia and Joyce suggests that the veil of secrecy is thinning. People who were once on the payroll or part of the inner circle are starting to talk, perhaps sensing that the tide has turned.

The implications of these revelations are profound. If Zaldy Co was indeed in Paris in July, managing a life of luxury while the Philippine government scrambled to account for missing funds and questionable projects, it paints a picture of impunity that angers the tax-paying public. The “flood control” projects that have failed to prevent flooding in the Philippines are now being juxtaposed with images of Parisian avenues and private shopping sprees. It is a contrast that is difficult to stomach and even harder to explain away.

As investigations continue to dig deeper into the money trail, these personal testimonies serve as crucial waypoints. They establish location, lifestyle, and spending habits that investigators can use to build a broader case. The “mismatch” between declared assets and the reality on the ground in Europe is becoming impossible to ignore. The driver, who likely thought he was just doing a job, has become an unwitting key to unlocking one of the year’s biggest political mysteries.

For Zaldy Co, the silence may no longer be an option. With his own former staff confirming his presence and lifestyle abroad, the pressure to return and face the music is mounting. The “trails of luxury” are leading investigators right to his doorstep, proving that in the digital age, you can fly halfway across the world, but you cannot outrun your own shadow.