Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara accused Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co of being the main backer of infrastructure projects in Bulacan’s 1st District from 2022 to 2025, with a total value of no less than ₱35 billion.
In his testimony before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Accountability, Public Officers, and Investigations, Alcantara said Co initially demanded a 20% kickback, which later increased to 25%.
“Ako naman po ang nagdadala o naghahatid ng hinihinging porsyento ni Cong. Zaldy (Co) sa iba’t-ibang tao niya, hindi ko po siya na-meet during pagdadala, ang tao niya po ay may mga alias na Paul at Mark,” Alcantara revealed.
He added, “May isa o dalawang beses na dinala ko sa parking lot ng Shangri-La Bonifacio Global City ang porsyento ni Cong. Zaldy, paminsan-minsan naman, hinahatid ko ito sa kanyang bahay.”
Former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Assistant Engineer Brice Hernandez supported Alcantara’s claims.
“Kung hindi po ako nagkamali, mga anim o pitong van po yung gamit noon. Ang laman po ng isang maleta, nasa ₱50 million po,” Hernandez testified.
For his part, Co strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as fabricated.
“The allegations made against me during today’s Senate hearing are false and baseless. I reserve my right to respond to these allegations at the proper time before the proper forum,” Co asserted in a statement.
Co is reportedly abroad to seek medical treatment for a heart condition.