THE 28-member House minority bloc has urged former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co to return to the country and place his allegations of budget irregularities and kickbacks under oath, stressing that statements made on social-media “do not constitute admissible evidence that can withstand judicial scrutiny.”
In a statement, the minority bloc said it “acknowledges the gravity of the allegations raised” involving supposed anomalies in the 2025 national budget and alleged deliveries of large kickbacks to high government officials. However, it noted that due process requires formal sworn testimony.
“We urge former Representative Zaldy Co to return to the country and reduce his statements into an affidavit to be duly subscribed under oath before the proper authorities,” the bloc said, adding that this would “allow due process to take its course” and permit a proper evaluation of the merits of his claims while giving him the chance to address accusations against him.
The group also called on congressional institutions, law-enforcement agencies, and other relevant offices to ensure Co’s protection.
“We ask the institutional authorities of both the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives, and other relevant agencies, including the Philippine National Police, to guarantee the former Representative’s safety and security upon his return,” the statement read.
This would allow him to “freely and fully participate in any pending and future investigations” where his testimony or evidence may be required.
The lawmakers likewise pressed for the swift passage of the bill creating the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC).
The body is envisioned as “an independent, non-partisan and broad-based” institution that will investigate and recommend prosecution for corruption in infrastructure projects.
Amid intense public demand for clarity and accountability in ongoing corruption investigations involving flood control and other infrastructure funds, the minority bloc reiterated the urgency of Co’s return.
“The Filipino people deserve the whole truth, demand a reckoning, and cry out for justice,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (4Ps), Representatives Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Lone District, Eastern Samar), Edgar Erice (Second District, Caloocan City), Jesus Suntay (Fourth District, Quezon City), Arlene Bag-ao (Lone District, Dinagat Islands), Cielo Krisel Lagman (First District, Albay), Audrey Kay Zubiri (Third District, Bukidnon), Niko Raul Daza (First District, Northern Samar), Stephen James Tan (First District, Samar), Reynolds Michael Tan (Second District, Samar).
Representatives Dadah Kiram Ismula (Akbayan), Jose Manuel Diokno (Akbayan), Percival Cendaña (Akbayan), Leila De Lima (Mamayang Liberal), Renee Louise Co (Kabataan), Roberto Gerard Nazal Jr. (Bagong Henerasyon), Elijah San Fernando (Kamanggagawa), Antonio Tinio (ACT-Teachers), Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro), Allan Ty (LPGMA), Sergio Dagooc (APEC), Jernie Jett Nisay (Pusong Pinoy), Arlyn Ayon (SWERTE), Iris Marie Montes (4K), Sarah Jane Elago (Gabriela), and Jonathan Clement Abalos II (4Ps).
Representatives Paolo Henry Marcoleta (Sagip) and Presley De Jesus (PHILRECA) were not readily available to sign the statement.
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