Zaldy Co Urged to Come Home Amid Flood Control Controversy
SANDRO MARCOS – The House Majority Leader urged Ako Bicol Party-list Representative and former House Appropriations Committee Chair Zaldy Co to return to the Philippines and address the allegations against him.
Co has been linked to the flood control controversy but has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Marcos stressed that Co needs to come back to face the accusations, noting that the situation is serious and has reflected poorly on the House. He also warned that if Co does not return after his travel authorization expires, it could lead to an ethics complaint.
At the same time, Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco suggested that the newly elected House Speaker, Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, verify the validity of Co’s medical condition. Tiangco emphasized the need to see Co’s medical certificate to determine if his health issues are truly life-threatening. If not, he said, Co has no valid reason to remain abroad. He also stressed that the House must take proactive steps to restore public trust, as simply accepting Co’s claims of being on medical leave does little to reassure citizens that accountability is being upheld.
House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin shared that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez had reached out to Co to facilitate his return, particularly after Co’s name came up during the House Infrastructure Committee hearing. Garin explained that Romualdez tried to shorten Co’s stay abroad, even proposing a timetable for his return. However, these plans did not materialize, and Romualdez took responsibility for the delays. She added that if Co had returned, the pending questions about his actions could have been clarified, but his continued absence has only increased public scrutiny and criticism of the House.
The controversy began with Tiangco’s accusation that Co had inserted P13.8 billion into the bicameral version of the proposed 2025 budget, including funds for flood control and other infrastructure projects. The issue has placed the House under mounting pressure to act decisively, with leaders calling for transparency and accountability to address both the allegations and public concern.