House Member Zaldy Co Ordered To Come Home amid Flood Control Corruption Accusations
ZALDY CO – House Speaker Bojie Dy revoked the Ako Bicol Partylist Representative’s Travel Clearance and ordered his immediate return to the Philippines.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate opened an investigation on the flood control issue in the Philippines. However, countless Filipinos were dismayed after some members of both chambers were thrown accusations that link them to the flood control mess.
During a Senate flood probe, controversial contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya brought a joint affidavit wherein they claimed that there are officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who allegedly receive kickback from them on government flood control deals. They claimed that they allegedly had no choice but to ride on the alleged “system”.
Aside from the DPWH officials, the Discayas also claimed that there are government officials who allegedly receive kickback on flood control deals as well. They named the following:
- House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez
- Quezon City Cong. Arturo “Arjo” Atayde
- Pasig Cong. Roman Romulo
- Marikina Cong. Marcy Teodoro
- Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co
Then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co allegedly get a 30% kickback from the flood control projects according to the controversial contractors. Both House members denied the accusations.
According to Romualdez, he is “self-made” and does not need and will not allow himself to be corrupted by the money that does not belong to him. He earned countless criticisms and accusations and there were calls for him to step down from the House leadership.
Amid the flood control mess, presidential cousin and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez stepped down from being the House Speaker. According to him, he wants the Independent Commission on Infrastructure to be able to fully and freely exercise their mandate to probe the flood control corruption in the country. He is replaced by Isabela Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy in the position.
However, with regards to Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, the House member was already in the United States when the accusation was made. Co reportedly flew abroad for his medical treatment. While he denied the accusation, he has yet to return to the Philippines.
Based on a recent post on ABS-CBN News, House Speaker Bojie Dy ordered the revocation of the Travel Clearance of Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co “effective immediately”. He is also ordered to return to the Philippines immediately.
Based on the post, Zaldy Co is ordered to return within 10 calendar days since the receipt of the notice issued by the House of Representatives. Failure to comply to the order of House Speaker Bojie Dy may be followed by the Philippine authorities taking further legal actions.
Amid the calls for the Ako Bicol Partylist Representative to return to the country, a House Deputy Speaker claimed that Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez attempted to reach out to Zaldy Co on his coming home to the Philippines.