Amid allegations linking him to anomalous flood control projects, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, former Chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, has insisted that he intends to return to the Philippines to disprove the accusations against him.
In a letter addressed to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Thursday, September 25, Co said he will face the charges before the proper forum.
“I have every intention of returning to the Philippines. I am also intent on belying the false claims made against me before the proper forum,” Co stated.
Co also appealed to Speaker Dy to ensure his and his family’s safety once he comes back to the country.
“I hope that when I return to the Philippines, I would be afforded due process and that you would ensure the safety of my family and me,” he added.
Co denied receiving any money connected to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), following claims from witnesses that he allegedly accepted kickbacks from certain projects.
“I received no funds in connection with DPWH projects,” Co stressed.
2025 NATIONAL BUDGET
The lawmaker likewise rejected accusations that he singlehandedly made budget insertions in the bicameral report and the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“The insinuation that on my own, I had made ‘insertions’ in the Bicameral Report and the 2025 General Appropriations Act (2025 GAA),” Co said.
He added: “The insinuations are, of course, untrue, since the Bicameral Report and the 2025 GAA were approved by both Houses of Congress at Plenary sessions and following collegial process.”
It can be recalled that Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco was the first to accuse Co of making questionable insertions in the 2025 national budget.