House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima on Friday urged former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co to return to the Philippines and cooperate with investigations into the alleged anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects.
“We urge former Rep. Zaldy Co to return to the country and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects,” de Lima said.
“He should take an oath and tell the whole truth before the proper forum,” she added.
In a video released to the media, Co detailed his claims that DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman instructed him to insert ₱100 billion worth of projects into the bicameral conference committee (Bicam) during the deliberation of the 2025 national budget.
He said he confirmed the instruction with Usec. Adrian Bersamin, who allegedly told him, “totoo nga po.” Co also reported the instruction to former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Co further narrated that Bersamin provided the list of projects in a brown leather bag, which he interpreted as a direct order from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Despite suggesting a reduction to ₱50 billion due to funding limits, Co said Pangandaman relayed the President’s directive to insert the full amount, explaining, “ipasok ninyo yan… hindi na pwede ang baguhin kung baga ang utos ng hari hindi pwede ang mabali.”
Co questioned why the President claims no knowledge of the budget while all changes reportedly sought approval from Pangandaman.