Former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co has issued a striking statement alleging that former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez instructed him not to return to the Philippines.
In a video statement posted on his Facebook account on Friday, November 14, Co addressed the public, acknowledging the anger directed at him while asking for time to explain his side.
“Para sa bawat Pilipino, alam ko na buo ang galit ninyo sa akin ngayon at nauunawan ko rin kung bakit, lalo na at malaki ang halagang nakataya,” Co began.
He added, “Pero bago kayo humusga, hayaan ninyong ipaliwanag ko ang buong katotohanan. Matagal akong hindi nagsalita dahil may direktang utos sa akin, ‘huwag nang bumalik ng Pilipinas at manahimik na lamang.’”
According to Co, he left the country in July 2025 for medical reasons but was allegedly stopped from returning by Romualdez.
“Umalis ako noong July 19, 2025, para sa aking check up. Nakaplanong bumalik pagkatapos ng SONA ng Pangulo. Pero habang papauwi na ako, tinawagan ako ni dating Speaker Martin Romualdez at sinabihan, ‘Stay out of the country. You will be well taken care of as instructed by the President.’”
Co said he initially trusted Romualdez and kept silent.
“Noon, naniniwala pa ako sa kanila kaya’t hindi ako bumalik. Tumikom ang aking bibig. Sumunod ako. Pero ang hindi ko alam, ang ibig pala nilang sabihin sa ‘aalagaan ka namin’ ay gagamitin ako bilang panakip butas sa kanilang kampanya laban sa korapsyon.”
Co vowed that he will no longer remain silent and intends to reveal documents, evidence, and names.
“Ginawa nila akong poster boy ng kanilang sariling kasinungalingan. Ngayon, hindi na ako mananahimik, ilalabas ko ang lahat ng katotohanan. May resibo, may ebidensya, at may pangalan,” he said.
As of this writing, Romualdez has not issued a statement in response to Co’s claims.