PFP, NPC, NP to Zaldy Co: Come home, substantiate ‘serious’ claims

By Jose Cielito Reganit, Philippine News Agency

Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co (Rep. Zaldy Co/facebook)

MANILA – The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) and the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) on Monday said former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co must come home and substantiate his “serious claims” on the alleged budget insertions.

In a statement, Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez of the 2nd District of South Cotabato said the PFP fully supports Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III’s call for accountability and transparency in light of the serious allegations involving Co.

“Mr. Co must come home. It is important to emphasize a basic legal principle: jurisdiction cannot be exercised over someone who refuses to appear. No video recorded abroad can substitute for sworn testimony, cross-examination, and accountability before the proper bodies,” Hernandez said.

“In contrast, all members of the House who were asked to clarify matters have voluntarily appeared before the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI). They availed themselves of due process and the Rule of Law, while Mr. Co has not,” he added.

If Co really believes in the validity of his accusations, Hernandez said the proper venue is here in the Philippines — before the ICI and before investigative bodies — not in a video taken overseas.

“Here he will have every opportunity to air his side, present evidence, and answer questions under oath. If there are legitimate concerns for his safety, the government has the means to ensure his protection while he testifies,” he said.

“We join Speaker Dy in urging former Rep. Co to return home and face the Filipino people. Accountability is not optional. It is a moral and legal obligation, and the public deserves no less.”

In a separate statement, the NPC noted that Co’s video recording “is unsworn, unnotarized, unauthenticated and produced abroad,” and therefore does not carry legal weight or value as a formal testimony.

It also pointed out that the emotional and theatrical tone of the video appears intended to shift public sentiment and recast Co “as a victim rather than the official who oversaw House-side adjustments during the 2025 budget process.”

“Such framing risks distracting the public from the serious questions surrounding anomalous insertions and alleged ghost projects that are currently under review by oversight bodies,” it said.

The NPC clarified that once the National Expenditure Program is submitted, adjustments during the Bicameral Conference Committee originate solely from Congress.

“No external entity can introduce insertions at that stage. During the period in question, responsibility for House-side changes rested with Mr. Co. Suggestions that attempt to place accountability elsewhere are inconsistent with long-established budget procedures,” it said.

It warned the public against consuming dramatic online content that lacks verification, and urged Co to return to the country to substantiate his claims “through evidence, sworn statements and proper legal processes.”

“If Mr. Co wishes to pursue his claims, he may execute a sworn affidavit, submit supporting documents, and appear before the appropriate authorities. These steps — not unsworn recordings — will allow for a clear and credible resolution of the issues at hand,” the NPC said.

Meanwhile, the NPC commended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for taking the lead in uncovering the irregularities in the budgetary process.

It noted that Marcos promptly brought the issues to light, directed the investigation of those involved, and ordered the creation of the ICI, along with broad institutional reforms within the DPWH.

“The Nationalist People’s Coalition believes that the truth will be determined by evidence, by audits and by due process. The Nationalist People’s Coalition remains committed to transparency, due process and an orderly determination of truth. Let the facts, not dramatized narratives, guide the public’s understanding of this matter,” it said.

The Nacionalista Party (NP) also urged Co to return to the Philippines to face the proper forums and place his claims under oath.

In a separate statement, the NP said public institutions cannot act on allegations aired from abroad without accountability or verification.

“Our position is consistent and simple: If Mr. Co truly believes in what he is saying, then he must submit himself to the same standards of scrutiny that every public servant is expected to uphold,” it said.

It said the House of Representatives has already shown full cooperation with the ongoing inquiries and the responsible course of action now rests with Co.

“Until he comes home and testifies before the appropriate bodies, his statements cannot and should not distract from the reforms and good-governance efforts being pursued by Congress.”

“The Nacionalista Party stands firmly with the President, with Speaker Dy, and with all institutions committed to transparency, due process, and accountability.”