Zaldy Co has broken his long-standing silence regarding recent controversies surrounding the 2025 national budget and the flood control project scandal. In a candid video statement sent to reporters on Friday, the former Ako Bicol party-list representative shared that he was instructed to stay out of the country by former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Co also disclosed that he was promised he would be “well taken care of,” a claim that he now questions as he speaks out publicly for the first time in months.
Co’s Silence Explained
In his statement, Zaldy Co clarified why he refrained from returning to the Philippines after leaving for a medical checkup abroad on July 19, 2025. He had initially planned to return after the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), but a call from Romualdez changed those plans. According to Co, Romualdez conveyed that he should remain overseas, assuring him that the President had made arrangements for his welfare.
“To every Filipino, I know your anger toward me is strong right now. I also understand why, especially with so much at stake. But before you judge, allow me to explain the full truth,” Co stated in the video, speaking in Filipino.
Co explained that he followed instructions, believing the assurances made by Romualdez and President Marcos Jr. that he would be taken care of. His compliance, he says, has led to misconceptions about his role in the ongoing scandals, and he now feels the need to present his side.
Feeling Like a Scapegoat
Zaldy Co revealed that he had trusted the assurances he received, but later realized that “being taken care of” was not as promised. Instead, he claims that he was used as a scapegoat in the government’s anti-corruption narrative.
“I used to believe them, which is why I did not return. I kept my mouth shut and complied. But what I didn’t know was that what they meant by ‘we will take care of you’ was that I would be used as a scapegoat in their anti-corruption campaign. They made me the poster boy of their own lies,” Co said, reading from a prepared statement in Filipino.
By coming forward, Co hopes to clarify the situation and provide transparency to the public. He emphasized that he has “receipts, evidence, and names” to support his claims.
Allegations Surrounding Co
Zaldy Co is currently facing multiple allegations related to the 2025 national budget and the controversial infrastructure project for flood control. Contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, during one of the Senate blue ribbon committee hearings, named several lawmakers, including Co, alleging that they requested and received kickbacks from government infrastructure contracts.
Additionally, former officials from the Bulacan first district engineering office, Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, implicated Co and other lawmakers in the alleged kickback schemes for flood control projects.
Aside from these allegations, Co has been called out for his involvement with Sunwest Corporation, which he co-founded. Sunwest has become one of the top 15 contractors for flood control projects in the country, further fueling public scrutiny of Co’s role in these programs.
Co’s Response to Allegations
Despite the mounting accusations, Zaldy Co maintains that he will respond appropriately in the proper legal and administrative forums. He emphasized that he intends to clear his name and hold those who misrepresented him accountable.
“Now, I will no longer stay silent; I will reveal the whole truth. There are receipts, evidence, and names,” Co asserted, highlighting his intention to cooperate fully with investigations while defending his reputation.
Political Implications
The revelations from Zaldy Co have wider implications for Philippine politics, particularly concerning the relationship between lawmakers and executive directives. His claim that he was asked to remain abroad on presidential instructions raises questions about the coordination of political strategies and the handling of controversial projects.
Political analysts note that Co’s statements could influence ongoing investigations into the 2025 budget and flood control contracts. By asserting that he was sidelined while others continued with the narrative, Co positions himself as a potentially key witness with insider knowledge of both procedural and administrative decisions.
Conclusion
Zaldy Co’s revelations that Romualdez advised him to stay out of the Philippines provide a new perspective on ongoing political controversies. By speaking publicly, Co aims to clarify his role, address allegations, and bring forward evidence that supports his claims. As the situation unfolds, the public and investigative bodies will be watching closely to see whether Co’s disclosures will lead to accountability, transparency, and a better understanding of political decision-making at the highest levels.
His willingness to break his silence marks a pivotal moment in the 2025 budget and flood control project investigations, positioning Zaldy Co not just as a figure of controversy but as a key actor in revealing the inner workings of political directives in the Philippines.
Stay tuned at Juan 365 News for more updates!
