Rep. Zaldy Co’s son accuses father of corruption

Fashion designer Michael Ellis Co has publicly denounced his father, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, amidst allegations of corruption tied to flood control projects.

Ellis expressed solidarity with anti-corruption protesters and condemned corruption, stating he wants his father to be held accountable.

He revealed that his relationship with his father became distant after Zaldy Co entered politics, and urged him to 'come home and answer to the people'.

Ellis clarified that his brand, DOT ARCHIVES, was supported through uniform projects, client commissions, and a loan from his mother, denying any benefit from corruption.

Former DPWH Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara told the Senate that Co proposed a total of P35 billion in insertions over four years, since 2022, to fund some 426 projects.

Co is also reportedly still connected with Sunwest Inc., the conglomerate he founded, which has secured billions in government contracts for flood control infrastructure.

Zaldy Co, while abroad, has issued statements denying the allegations of receiving kickbacks and placing billions of pesos in insertions in the national budget.

House Speaker Bojie Dy revoked Zaldy Co's travel clearance and ordered his return, while Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco filed an ethics complaint against him.

However, actors Albie Casiño and Lauren Young criticized Ellis' public denouncement, expressing skepticism over his narrative.