The Daily Tribune
'I was prejudged': Zaldy Co to return but fears safety, fair trial
Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co intends to return to the Philippines by Monday, September 29, to face investigations into flood control anomalies but fears for his safety and due process.
House Speaker Bojie Dy issued an ultimatum giving Co only until Monday to return after revoking his travel clearance on September 18.
Co stated that the revocation of his travel clearance would prevent him from receiving previously scheduled medical care.
He disputes speculations that he went into hiding, asserting his intention to return and refute "false claims" in a proper forum.
The lawmaker is allegedly involved in a kickback scheme related to flood control projects, prompting the investigation.
Co's departure to the US for medical treatment was deemed suspicious by critics given the timing with the deepening investigation.
Unconfirmed reports suggest Co is in Madrid, Spain, and the Department of Justice has issued an immigration lookout bulletin for him.
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News Sources
See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co resigned from the House of Representatives due to alleged threats to his life and family, and a denial of due process.
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Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla urged former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co to return to the Philippines to address allegations of masterminding last-minute insertions in the 2025 national budget.
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The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recalled the five police security escorts assigned to Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co after he left the country amid an investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested a blue notice from Interpol for Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, with the Palace confirming the move.
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