Fashion designer and musician Ellis Co, also known as Ellis G, broke his silence on the growing flood control controversy engulfing his father, Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co of Ako Bicol party-list. In a lengthy statement posted on his official platforms tonight, the 20-something creative directly addressed the allegations, distancing himself from politics and calling for accountability — even from his own father.
“I condemn corruption in all its forms. I understand the anger and disgust. The hate is MORE than valid,” Ellis wrote. “And though I try to separate myself from the affiliation, I won’t exclude myself from the conversation. I am deeply ashamed, and I wish for nothing but the truth to come out. There is no excuse. I firmly believe that anyone who is proven guilty of these crimes should be held accountable and should face the proper consequences. That includes my dad.”
The statement comes amid a widening probe into ₱545 billion worth of flood control projects across the country, with nearly 9,800 contracts under scrutiny. Senate Blue Ribbon hearings have featured whistleblowers alleging massive kickbacks, ghost projects, and substandard construction, with names of sitting lawmakers — including Rep. Zaldy Co — repeatedly raised.
Former engineers testified that kickbacks were delivered to officials, including Co, through intermediaries and even in private residences and hotels. The Department of Justice and National Bureau of Investigation have recommended charges of bribery and malversation. The Anti-Money Laundering Council has also frozen assets of Co and several senators while investigations continue.
Co has denied the accusations, calling them “false and baseless,” and has vowed to defend himself in the proper forum.
Ellis, who first gained public attention as a fashion designer with his 2022 debut collection Memoirs of the Future and later as a musician releasing tracks such as “Black Lexus” and “Shangri-La”, said he has worked since he was 16 to build his own path outside politics.
“Though I bear my last name, I’ve always tried to separate myself from that affiliation. It can’t be denied that I was born into privilege. Despite this, I’ve always pushed to give back, especially to the community and to the industry I’ve long admired,” he explained, emphasizing that he moved out of his parents’ home, did not pursue college, and funded his projects through client work and loans.
Ellis stressed that his brand, .ARCHIVES, has been more than a fashion label: “It’s a team of 15 tailors, 10 staff members, and 3 designers. Our mission goes beyond making clothes; it’s to uplift artists, support our tailors, and work with integrity.”
Ellis’s most striking words were reserved for his father:
“I urge him to appear before the people and be accountable once and for all. I am not just speaking out against a politician; I am speaking out against my father. And if this decision gets me disowned, I would rather face that consequence than watch millions of people suffer from his actions.”
The young creative acknowledged the conflict of being caught between family loyalty and public responsibility, saying he needed time before making a statement. “For the past few weeks, I’ve been having an internal conflict between my morals and my family. I am only speaking out now because I needed the time to have a firm grasp of the situation.”
