Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Saturday said former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co may face legal hurdles in qualifying as a state witness, citing his alleged central role in the controversial flood control projects under investigation.
Lacson, who also chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, noted that Co’s position in the case appears complicated given the strict requirements under Philippine law for admission into the state witness program.
“Sa tingin ko, yung kanyang katayuan ngayon, medyo masikip… Maraming requirements para mag-qualify ka bilang state witness,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
One of the key legal standards, he explained, is that a state witness must not appear to be the “most guilty” in the alleged offense.
However, Lacson said public perception pointing to Co as a key architect of the irregularities could work against him.
“Maraming naniniwala siya ‘yung arkitekto mismo nung mga insertions,” Lacson added.
Co, who was arrested in Prague last Thursday after months of evading authorities, previously served as chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, a position that gave him significant influence over the national budget process.
Lacson said that while Co’s potential testimony could implicate several individuals, the Senate would first need clearance from the Sandiganbayan before he can be formally summoned, as jurisdiction over his case now lies with the court following his arrest.
“Kung tatanggapin niya ‘yung state witness talagang sabog. Marami talagang madadamay,” Lacson remarked.
The Blue Ribbon Committee is also set to scrutinize Co’s earlier claims, including videos he posted online alleging that high-ranking officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, directed him to insert ₱100 billion into the 2025 national budget.
Lacson said the committee also plans to invite 18 former soldiers and a witness identified as Orly Guteza—allegedly Co’s former security aide—to testify on claims involving the alleged delivery of kickbacks to several officials.