Congressman Zaldy Co Vows Return to Philippines to Face Graft Accusations

• Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co wrote to House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III, promising to return to the Philippines to face corruption allegations

• Co vehemently denied receiving kickbacks from flood control projects or making unilateral budget insertions, calling the claims "false and baseless"

• He lamented the revocation of his travel clearance while abroad for medical treatment, arguing the decision was based on "pressure" and prejudgement

• Speaker Dy has given Co a deadline of September 29 to return, warning of disciplinary action for non-compliance

Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co has formally communicated his intention to return to the Philippines and confront the accusations linking him to the ongoing multi-billion-peso flood control corruption scandal.

In a strongly worded letter dated September 25 and addressed to newly installed House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Co asserted his commitment to clear his name in the proper forum.

He vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged malfeasance, which includes accusations of graft, malversation, and indirect bribery stemming from anomalous budget insertions for infrastructure projects, notably those concerning flood control.

Co’s communication came in response to Speaker Dy’s September 18 directive, which formally revoked the lawmaker’s travel clearance and ordered him to immediately return to the country within ten calendar days to address the pressing issues.

The lawmaker, who is currently abroad for what he claims is a scheduled medical procedure, expressed profound disappointment and alarm over the revocation.

"I am saddened that my colleagues in the House of Representatives would deprive me of the time needed for medical care... and gravely concerned that the decision to revoke my travel clearance was borne by pressure, rather than adherence to facts and procedure," Co wrote.

He argued that the move to recall his travel authority, done without first seeking his explanation, demonstrated that he had been "prejudged" by the public and by the Speaker's office itself.

"I have every intention of returning to the Philippines," Co affirmed, adding, "I am also intent on belying the false claims made against me before the proper forum."

He flatly rejected the specific allegations that he personally received kickbacks from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects or that he unilaterally made insertions into the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), stressing that the budget process is a "collegial" one approved by both chambers.

Despite his pledge to return, Co also voiced apprehension about the intense public scrutiny and safety risks.

He specifically appealed to Speaker Dy to ensure his security and that of his family upon his arrival, given the public outcry stirred by what he describes as "false, baseless, and politically-charged statements" made in various congressional hearings and media.

The controversy surrounding Co has intensified, particularly after recent Senate testimonies by a dismissed DPWH engineer and revelations from government agencies regarding the massive air asset holdings—reportedly worth P4.7 billion—tied to the lawmaker's family companies.

Co has since been recommended for prosecution by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) before the Department of Justice (DOJ), and an ethics complaint has been filed against him in the House of Representatives by Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco.

Speaker Dy has given Co until Monday, September 29, to comply with the order to return, warning that failure to do so will be viewed as a refusal to cooperate with the lawful processes of the House and will result in further disciplinary action.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh