House Committee on Justice chairperson and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro said former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co must return to the Philippines if he intends to testify in one of the impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Ang nasa ilalim po ng rules ng impeachment, dapat sa Justice Committee chair panunumpaan lahat ng affidavits and counter affidavits. And that includes the giving of testimony before the Justice Committee,” Luistro explained.
“Kung itong mga intended witnesses are willing to come before the Justice Committee and take their oath, of course they can testify… Lahat po ng ebidensiya supporting the impeachment complaint has to be sworn in before the Justice Committee,” she added.
When asked if Co must physically return to testify, Luistro was clear:
“Definitely.”
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said Co is believed to be residing in a gated community in Lisbon, Portugal, while facing an arrest warrant linked to alleged irregular flood control projects.
In November, Marcos challenged Co to return and confront accusations after Co alleged that the Chief Executive, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and several Cabinet members orchestrated ₱100 billion worth of budget “insertions.”
Malacañang dismissed the claims as hearsay, while Romualdez maintained his conscience “remains clear.”
Luistro reiterated that all evidence and testimonies in impeachment proceedings must be formally sworn before the Justice Committee, underscoring the importance of due process.