𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Malacañang urges Zaldy Co to speak amid Corruption allegations" by Renee Jayne Canale

Published by: Zenie Lynn Caguing

Date Published: October 7, 2025

Time Published: 2:43pm

Malacañang called on resigned Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co to answer the allegations against him in relation to alleged anomalous flood control projects on Tuesday, September 30. 

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement, stressing that Co, who is currently abroad, must answer to the allegations linking him to corruption.

''Mas mainam na maipaliwanag ang kanyang side,'' Castro said.

Furthermore, Co, who has been overseas since early September for medical treatment, resigned from the House of Representatives on Monday, September 29, prompting the government to request a blue notice from Interpol to determine his whereabouts

Co's resignation comes in the wake of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommending to the Ombudsman the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges against him and several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Oriental Mindoro.

In addition, the ICI recommendation pertains to the ₱289.5 million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, noting that DPWH Region IV-B hired Sunwest Inc., a contractor reportedly linked to Co, to implement the flood management initiative, according to executive director Brian Hosaka.

Moreover, Co has denied receiving money from the government’s flood control projects, saying he planned to return to the country to clear his name of the allegations. 

REFERENCES:

[1] Domingo, K. (2025, September 30). "Zaldy Co appears guilty if he fails to answer corruption allegations: Palace." ABS CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/30/zaldy-co-appears-guilty-if-he-fails-to-answer-corruption-allegations-palace-

[2] Bajo, A. (2025, September 30). "Palace to Zaldy Co: Better to explain your side." GMA Integrated News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/960740/palace-to-zaldy-co-better-to-explain-your-

[3] Unite, B. (2025, September 30). "Palace to Zaldy Co: Explain your side." Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/30/palace-to-zaldy-co-explain-your-side#:~:text=Philippines%20%7C%20National-,Palace%20to%20Zaldy%20Co%3A%20Explain%20your%20side,-By%20Betheena%20Unite