Marcos twits Zaldy Co’s accusations: Come home, face charges

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

‘COME HOME, FACE CHARGES’. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday (Nov. 24, 2025). The President dismissed Zaldy Co’s latest allegations, saying his statements hold no weight unless he returns to the Philippines and faces the cases filed against him in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects. (PCO photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday dismissed the latest allegations made by former lawmaker Zaldy Co, saying his statements hold no weight unless he returns to the Philippines and faces the cases filed against him in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

“Look at the quality of his statements,” Marcos told reporters in Malacañang.

“Mahaba na ang naging mga usapan natin on fake news (We have talked extensively about fake news). Anyone can go online and make all kinds of claims and say all kinds of things. Paulit-ulit (Over and over again). It means nothing.”

The President made the remarks as Co, in another video message shared on social media, claimed that over PHP56 billion in kickbacks from anomalous infrastructure projects were delivered to his house.

Marcos said the only venue for accountability is through legal proceedings.

“For it to mean something, umuwi siya dito (he should come home). Harapin niya ‘yung mga kaso niya (face the cases),” he said.

The President questioned why Co remains abroad if he maintains his innocence.

“Bakit ka nagtatago sa malayo? (Why are you hiding far away?),” the President asked.

“Ako, hindi ako nagtatago. Kung may akusasyon ka sa akin, nandito ako. Gawin niyang pareho para patas naman (If you have an accusation against me, I’m here. He should do the same so it is fair).”

The Sandiganbayan earlier issued warrants of arrest against Co and several others linked to an alleged anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, where the former lawmaker’s firm served as contractor.

Seven of Co’s co-accused are already in custody, and others are coordinating with authorities for surrender.