14/11/2025
Zaldy Co, the former Ako Bicol representative, recently broke his silence on the alleged corruption scandal involving flood control projects. In a video statement, Co claimed that he was ordered by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to insert P100 billion worth of projects into the 2025 budget ¹ ² ³.
Co stated that he received a call from Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, informing him of the president's directive. He was then handed a list of projects worth P100 billion, which he claims came directly from Marcos. Co also alleged that he was told to place the remaining P50 billion in the unprogrammed funds for the 2025 budget, as it falls under the Office of the President ¹ ³.
Co accused the administration of using him as a scapegoat in their anti-corruption campaign and warned that he would likely face danger if he spoke out. He also claimed that he was instructed not to return to the Philippines, citing security concerns ¹ ³.
Here's a quote from Co's statement: "Ginawa nila akong poster boy ng kanilang sariling kasinungalingan. Ngayon hindi na ako mananahimik. Ilalabas ko ang lahat ng katotohanan, may resibo, may ebidensya at may pangalan" ("They made me the poster boy of their own lies. Now, I will no longer be silent. I will reveal all the truth, with receipts, evidence, and names") ¹ ³.
Co has resigned from his position as Ako Bicol representative and is currently facing complaints filed against him with the Office of the Ombudsman ⁴ ⁵.
