Marcos urges Rep. Co to return and face corruption allegations

House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos urged Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co to return to the Philippines to face allegations of corruption in flood control projects and pressuring the Agriculture Secretary.

Co is accused of demanding a 25% commission from contractors and pressuring Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to issue importation permits for his companies.

Contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya testified in the Senate regarding the alleged involvement of congressmen, their staff, and DPWH officials in corrupt flood control projects.

Marcos criticized Co for "dragging the House in the mud" by staying silent on alleged budget insertions, despite Co's earlier resignation from his uncle Martin Romualdez's speakership.

Co, who is currently in the US for medical treatment, co-founded Sunwest Inc. which bagged P10 billion worth of flood control contracts, and Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp. which won P4.6 billion projects.

Marcos warned that Co might face the ethics committee if he does not return to the country.

The new article highlights Co's rise from a local contractor to a politically and financially influential lawmaker whose business dealings are now under scrutiny.

Co's presence has barely been felt in the House of Representatives since July 28, with his office primarily issuing statements to the media and no bills or resolutions filed as of Thursday.