Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co of the Ako Bicol Partylist has expressed “sadness and grave concern” over the House leadership’s move to revoke his travel clearance, saying the decision was made “by pressure, rather than adherence to facts and procedure.”
In a letter addressed to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on September 25, Co said he intends to return to the Philippines but maintained that he should be allowed to complete his long-scheduled medical treatment abroad. “I have every intention of returning to the Philippines. I am also intent on belying the false claims made against me before the proper forum,” he wrote.
The lawmaker is currently under scrutiny following testimonies in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee linking him to alleged kickbacks from flood control projects. Co has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling them “false, baseless, and politically-charged.”
In his response to Dy, Co specifically refuted several allegations:
That he inserted entries into the Bicameral Report and the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
That his family’s aircraft was used to fly former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague.
That he requested fish import allocations under “ZC Victory Fishing Corporation,” clarifying the “ZC” stood for Zamboanga City, not Zaldy Co.
That he received funds in connection with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects.
The congressman, who faces mounting calls to face investigations at home, said he hopes to be given due process upon his return and asked that the safety of his family be assured.
The controversy surrounding Co has intensified in recent weeks, with reports that he may be in Spain even as authorities pursue asset freeze orders. The Department of Justice is also looking into allegations that billions in overpriced flood control contracts were funneled to lawmakers through contractors.
