Comelec awaits House action on Rep. Co’s resignation

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

According to the poll body chief, they are still awaiting confirmation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) if the three companies, along with the 52 others initially tagged, have dealings with the government. (File Photo: COMELEC/Facebook)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be waiting for the move of the House of Representatives (HOR) regarding the resignation of Ako Bicol (AKB) party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

According to Comelec Chairperson George Garcia, they cannot proclaim the replacement of the party-list representative unless the Lower House declares a vacancy.

“The HOR needs to write to us, for us to be able to issue a new proclamation. We are waiting for the HOR’s letter,” he said in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

In case the HOR decides to make a declaration, Garcia added that they will follow the list of nominees submitted by the AKB to the commission.

Based on the organization’s list of nominees, the third nominee is Jan Franz Almario Chan.

“The third nominee on the list submitted to us will be replacing him (Co) and become the new congressman,” Garcia explained.

Ako Bicol party-list earned two seats in the Lower House after getting 1,073,119 votes in the May 2025 polls.

Aside from Co, Alfredo Garbin was proclaimed AKB representative.

On Monday, Co resigned as Ako Bicol representative amid allegations of his involvement in anomalous flood control projects.

Co said their group will inform the Lower House of who would replace him.

Meanwhile, the poll body chief on Tuesday said they did not see any donors (contractors) from Co’s Statement of Expenditures and Contributions (SOCE) for the May 2022 polls.

“In 2022, (polls), we didn’t see any companies that contributed… We just don’t (know) if we’ll see any in the 2025 (polls),” he added in a virtual interview.

When asked if the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has responded to their request to identify which among contractors had contributed to the campaign funds of local and national bets in 2022, and whether they presently have projects with the government, the Comelec head said, “Of the 55 possible government contractors, we still have no answer from the DPWH. With all due respect, the claim that we singled out is not true. Sen. Chiz (Escudero) was the first, as there was an admission from the contractor, and he also said that he received it.”

“But again, if there is confirmation from the DPWH for the other candidates and contractors, Comelec will not hesitate to continue the process. If there is a confirmed government contractor, they will also receive a notice from Comelec,” he added.