House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin Speaks on Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co
MARTIN ROMUALDEZ – House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin claimed that the then-Speaker attempted to reach out to Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co on coming home to the Philippines.
Countless Filipinos were left puzzled last Tuesday eve by the reports that the things of then-Speaker Romualdez are being taken out from the House Speaker’s Office. It triggered the rumors and speculations that the presidential cousin and Leyte Congressman is stepping down from his position in the lower chamber.
Soon after, Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno confirmed that then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez was resigning from his position. According to the lawmaker, he has called for a meeting and informed them about his decision. The resignation of the former House Speaker came amid the flood control corruption accusations hurled against him.
Controversial contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya accused then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects. According to the couple, Romualdez and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co allegedly get a 30% kickback from the government flood control deals.
During the Senate hearing when the Discayas publicized their joint affidavit, Co was already in the United States for his medical treatment. Amid the issues and accusations, there are countless calls for him to return to the Philippines.
Based on a report on GMA News, House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin claimed that Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, when he was still the House Speaker, attempted to reach out to Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co over his coming home to the Philippines. According to her, during the 19th Congress, Co frequently flew to Singapore.
“Alam namin noon, noong 19th Congress, lipad nang lipad siya sa Singapore for some diagnostic tools or some workup. So hindi ako privy doon sa specifics. But what I am definitely sure is the fact that the Speaker was trying to reach out to him to request him and to allow him to mention a timetable kung kailan siya makakauwi,” Garin said.
Based on the report, House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin also claimed that then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez gave Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co one (1) or two (2) weeks to come home to the Philippines. However, it did not happen.
“During the [House Infrastructure Committee hearing], yun din ang nasabi ni Speaker na parating na si Zaldy, at least maliliwanagan yung mga katanungan. Unfortunately, hindi dumating yung araw na yan,” she claimed.
Amid the flood control mess in the Philippines, presidential son and Ilocos Norte Cong. Sandro Marcos joined the call for Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co to come home and face the allegations against him.