Former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co has issued another public statement regarding the alleged multi-billion peso budget insertions linked to President Bongbong Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In a video message posted on Facebook on Monday, November 24, Co said he still could not return to the Philippines due to threats to his life.
“Alam kong hindi madali ang mga paksang ito. Mabibigat at mahirap tanggapin,” he began. “Hindi po ako makauwi dahil malaki ang banta sa buhay ko.”
He claimed that the administration was allegedly preparing to portray him as a terrorist to bury the truth.
“Ngayon naman ay mayroon kaming natanggap na balita. Papalabasin ng administrasyon na ako ay isang terorista sa loob at labas ng Pilipinas para mailibing ako kasama ang katotohanan kahit saan man ako pumunta,” he said.
Co added, “Pero mahalagang malaman ng taumbayan ang katotohanan. Taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong pakikinig.”
He also denied allegations that he received ₱21 billion.
“Sinasabi ng ICI at ni Henry Alcantara na ₱21 billion daw ang napunta sa akin. Hindi po totoo iyon. Wala akong natanggap na ganiyang halaga,” he asserted.
Co further claimed that aside from the earlier disclosures, the total money he delivered to Marcos and Romualdez from 2022 to 2025 amounted to ₱56 billion, separate from the previously discussed insertions.
“Ang totoo, mula 2022 hanggang 2025, ang kabuuang pera na dumaan sa akin para ibigay kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at dating Speaker Martin Romualdez ay umabot sa ₱56 billion at hiwalay pa diyan ang ₱100 billion insertion ng Pangulo sa 2025 budget. Pati na rin ang ₱97 billion flood-control insertion na inilagay sa NEP ng 2026 national budget,” Co said.
Co first made public accusations on November 14, claiming President Marcos ordered a ₱100-billion insertion into the 2025 national budget. He also alleged that Romualdez instructed him to stay abroad and not return to the Philippines.