PBBM dares Zaldy Co to return to PH and prove his accusations in person

• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejected Zaldy Co’s new allegations, saying they “mean nothing” unless proven in the Philippines
• Marcos challenged Co to come home, face his cases, and confront him directly
• Co claimed he delivered P56.4 billion in cash to the homes of Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez
• The President denied receiving any money and questioned why Co remains in hiding

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has brushed aside the latest accusations made by resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co, urging him to return to the Philippines and defend his claims openly.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Marcos insisted that Co’s statements hold no weight unless he comes forward in person.

“It means nothing,” Marcos said when asked about the allegations. “For it to mean something, he should come home. He should face his cases.”

The President emphasized that accountability requires facing the legal process, not releasing statements from abroad.

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Marcos continued his challenge, calling on Co to stand by his claims in front of him.

“If he wants to say something, then say it. Prove it. But come home,” he said, adding,

“Why are you hiding so far away? I’m not hiding. If you have accusations against me, I’m right here.”

Co, who resigned from his legislative post earlier this year, released another recorded video on Monday accusing the President and his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, of receiving massive amounts of cash.

According to him, he delivered P56.4 billion hidden inside pieces of luggage between 2022 and 2025 to their respective residences.

He claimed that two of these deliveries intended for Marcos took place in December 2024 and were coursed through Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz.

The President firmly denied the allegations, stating he never received any money from Co.

The claims have stirred political debate, but with Co remaining outside the country, the administration has dismissed them as unsubstantiated.

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Marcos reiterated that only by returning and presenting evidence before the proper authorities can Co’s accusations be taken seriously.

For now, he maintains that the allegations are baseless and that he remains ready to face any inquiry head-on.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines, elected in 2022. He is the only son of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Before becoming president, Marcos Jr. served as governor, congressman, and senator, building a long political career spanning decades. His presidency has focused on economic recovery, agricultural modernization, infrastructure development, and digital transformation, while maintaining strong ties with both Western and Asian partners. A graduate of the University of Oxford with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), Marcos Jr. has emphasized “unity” as the core message of his leadership, seeking to guide the country toward stability and growth amid global and domestic challenges.

In another report, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. removed PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and appointed Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as officer-in-charge. Nartatez is from PMA Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992 and was previously Deputy Chief for Administration, the second-highest post in the PNP. Torre’s recent reshuffling of senior police officials without approval from NAPOLCOM and DILG was opposed, leading to controversy. As new OIC, Nartatez vowed to strengthen patrols, improve investigations, enforce the five-minute response policy, and monitor integrity in the police force.

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Previously, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has been relieved from his post. The relief was officially confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. A formal document from Malacañang directed Torre to immediately turn over all office matters, though no reason for the decision was given.

Source: KAMI.com.gh