The 28-member House minority bloc has called on former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co to return to the Philippines and formalize his allegations of budget irregularities and kickbacks, emphasizing that statements made on social media “do not constitute admissible evidence that can withstand judicial scrutiny.”
In a statement, the bloc said it “acknowledges the gravity of the allegations raised” on supposed anomalies in the proposed 2025 national budget and reports of large kickbacks allegedly delivered to high-ranking officials. However, it underscored that due process requires sworn testimony before competent authorities.
“We urge former Representative Zaldy Co to return to the country and reduce his statements into an affidavit to be duly subscribed under oath before the proper authorities,” the minority said.
Doing so, they noted, would “allow due process to take its course” and enable investigators to properly assess the merits of his claims while giving Co an opportunity to respond to accusations against him.
The bloc also appealed to government institutions and law-enforcement agencies to ensure Co’s safety should he return to face inquiries.
“We ask the institutional authorities of both the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives, and other relevant agencies, including the Philippine National Police, to guarantee the former Representative’s safety and security upon his return,” the statement read.
Such assurances, lawmakers said, would allow Co to “freely and fully participate in any pending and future investigations” where his testimony or evidence may be required.
The minority bloc likewise reiterated its push for the immediate passage of a bill creating the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC), envisioned as “an independent, non-partisan and broad-based” body empowered to investigate and recommend prosecution for corruption in infrastructure projects.
With public scrutiny intensifying over alleged irregularities in flood-control and other infrastructure funds, the bloc stressed the urgency of Co’s return to shed light on the controversy.
“The Filipino people deserve the whole truth, demand a reckoning, and cry out for justice,” the lawmakers said.
The statement was signed by Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (4Ps) and Representatives Christopher Sheen Gonzales, Edgar Erice, Jesus Suntay, Arlene Bag-ao, Cielo Krisel Lagman, Audrey Kay Zubiri, Niko Raul Daza, Stephen James Tan, Reynolds Michael Tan, Dadah Kiram Ismula, Jose Manuel Diokno, Percival Cendaña, Leila De Lima, Renee Louise Co, Roberto Gerard Nazal Jr., Elijah San Fernando, Antonio Tinio, Terry Ridon, Allan Ty, Sergio Dagooc, Jernie Jett Nisay, Arlyn Ayon, Iris Marie Montes, Sarah Jane Elago, and Jonathan Clement Abalos II.
Representatives Paolo Henry Marcoleta (Sagip) and Presley De Jesus (PHILRECA) were not immediately available to sign the statement. (LB)
