Ako Bicol Rep Zaldy Co in US for medical treatment

Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co is currently in the United States for medical treatment, as confirmed by House spokesperson Princess Abante.

Abante stated that Co is abroad with appropriate travel documents, though she lacks information on the specific dates covered by his travel authority.

This confirmation followed a Rappler report highlighting Co's frequent absences from the House since the 20th Congress opened on July 28.

Lawmakers, including Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, are requesting Co's participation in a congressional inquiry regarding alleged insertions of billions worth of infrastructure projects into the proposed 2025 budget, specifically P39-billion for two districts.

Co previously stepped down from his role as House appropriations panel chairperson in January due to health reasons.

He had also issued a statement in August 2022, asserting he divested all his interests in Sunwest Construction and Development Corp. in 2019.