Navotas City Lone District Representative Toby Tiangco believes it has become clear from former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co’s actions that the latter no longer intends to return to the Philippines or face the allegations filed against him.
In a recent interview, Tiangco said Co’s behavior demonstrates a deliberate effort to evade accountability.
“Nung pinauwi na siya at na-shorten ‘yung kanyang travel period, instead na humarap, nag-resign siya [as Ako Bicol representative] on the day na matatapos ‘yung last day ng notice para hindi siya humarap sa ethics committee. So ayaw niyang humarap,” he said.
Tiangco also noted that Co ignored multiple invitations from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and had already moved several of his air assets abroad.
“Dalawang beses (na-invite) sa ICI, ayaw niyang humarap. Tapos nilabas niya ‘yung air assets niya. Kung ‘yung bahay niya pwede lang niyang dalhin, dinala niya ‘yon, di ba? So ‘yung mga assets, pag-aari niya na pwede niyang ilabas ng bansa, inilabas na niya,” Tiangco added.
The lawmaker pointed to Co’s decision to transfer his aircraft out of the country as further proof that he has no intention of returning.
“‘Yung ganyang klaseng tao may balak bumalik dito at managot? Bakit mo ilalabas ang iyong air assets kung may balak ka pa namang umuwi dito? So doon pa lang makikita mo na ‘yung pattern,” he emphasized.
When asked if Co might be protecting someone powerful in government, Tiangco replied: “Ang puwede niya lang ituro si Speaker Martin, ‘di ba?”
The congressman was referring to former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Tiangco, however, defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying it is the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure Co’s return.
“I don’t think so. I think it’s the job of the DFA na gawin ‘yan. Hindi naman kasi sinasabi pa ng DFA na ayaw nila. Parang dini-delay lang,” he said.
Co, who previously chaired the House Committee on Appropriations, is among those accused of receiving kickbacks from alleged anomalies in the government’s flood-control projects.
He also drafted the 2025 national budget, which critics have questioned over alleged unconstitutional insertions and suspicious allocations.