Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co. ARCHIVE

Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co has resigned from the House of Representatives, citing what he described as grave threats to his family’s safety and an “evident denial” of his right to due process as corruption investigations against him escalate. In a letter dated Monday (September 29) and addressed to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy V, Co announced his “immediate and irrevocable” resignation. “On account of the real, direct, grave and imminent threat to the lives of my family members and me, and the evident denial of my right to due process of law, I am constrained to tender with immediate effect my irrevocable resignation as a member of the House of Representatives,” Co stated. The announcement came just hours after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure released its initial report recommending that the Ombudsman file cases against Co over alleged anomalies in a flood control project in Mindoro. The timing also coincided with the expiration of Speaker Dy’s 10-day ultimatum for Co to return to the Philippines. Dy earlier revoked the lawmaker’s travel clearance, demanding his immediate return to face ethics and corruption allegations. Co, however, insisted that the accusations were politically motivated. He called the ethics complaint filed by Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco “baseless,” particularly allegations that he manipulated budget insertions for flood control projects. Apart from the ethics case, Co has also been linked to alleged kickbacks from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects, with several DPWH officials purportedly naming him in testimonies. Despite the mounting controversies, Co maintained that he is being deprived of the chance to clear his name through proper legal proceedings. His resignation effectively ends his stint in the 19th Congress, leaving his Ako Bicol party-list seat vacant pending succession procedures. CAM/Expat Media
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