House Speaker Bojie Dy on Tuesday renewed his appeal for former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co to return to the Philippines and formally present evidence supporting the allegations he made in several online videos.
Dy said he is prepared to coordinate with authorities to guarantee Co’s safety if he comes home.
“Sa unang araw ko bilang Speaker… Ako po ay kaisa ng ating Pangulo sa layuning linisin ang pamahalaan upang tayo ay bumangon muli,” Dy said, stressing the need for accountability.
“Naniniwala ako na hindi mabubuo ang tiwala ng taumbayan kung walang tunay na pananagutan.”
He earlier ordered the cancellation of Co’s travel authority and coordinated with the DOJ to expedite DFA’s cancellation of Co’s passport.
Despite this, Dy said, “Nananatili pa rin siya sa ibang bansa—at video lamang ang kanyang inilalabas.”
Dy contrasted Co with other lawmakers who personally faced the House investigation: “Habang ang iba ay harapang nagbigay-linaw, si dating Rep. Co ay umiwas… mas lalo niyang dinaragdagan ang pagkalito ng publiko.”
He stressed that a video alone cannot substantiate serious accusations.
“Kapag mabigat ang paratang, dapat mas mabigat din ang paninindigan… Kailangan niyang humarap, manumpa, at magharap ng ebidensiya sa mga awtoridad tulad ng ICI.”
He added that the House is ready to ensure Co’s protection during testimony.
Dy closed with a direct appeal: “Umuwi po kayo at harapin ninyo ang taumbayan.”
He acknowledged the public’s confusion amid conflicting claims and said he, too, is pursuing the truth.