Zaldy Co Under Fire as He Seeks Treatment in U.S.
ZALDY CO – The Ako Bicol Party-list Representative and former chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations is currently in the United States for medical treatment. This was confirmed by House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante, who stated that Co’s departure was properly documented and that he possesses the necessary travel documents.
The confirmation comes at a time when Co is being urged by several lawmakers to attend congressional hearings to address allegations of questionable budget allocations, particularly involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). These allegations are connected to so-called “budget insertions” for flood control projects in the Bicol region. Despite calls to return the proposed 2026 national budget to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for review, some lawmakers have stated that the budget will not be withdrawn.
Co, who has been representing Ako Bicol in the House of Representatives since June 2019, served as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations from July 2022 until January 2025. His removal from the position came amid growing controversies surrounding the management of national funds.
Aside from his political career, Co is a prominent businessman. He is the CEO of the Sunwest Group of Companies and the chairman of the board of Misibis Bay Resort, a luxury resort in Albay. He founded Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation (SCDC) in 1997 but officially divested from the company in 2019, although reports indicate that he remains a beneficial owner.
Over the past year, Co has been involved in several high-profile controversies. In early 2024, his company faced allegations of participating in the Pharmally scandal and a controversial Department of Education laptop procurement deal. Later that same year, he faced criticism over statements regarding flood control funding after a fact-check revealed discrepancies between his claims and official budget records.