Rep. Elizaldy Co
THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has issued a new subpoena to former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who remains abroad amid allegations of his involvement in anomalous flood control projects. The ICI is intensifying its efforts to investigate Co’s alleged role in irregularities related to infrastructure spending.
ICI spokesperson Brian Hosaka announced that the subpoena was issued on October 20 and sent to Co’s residences in Pasig and Bicol. “We sent a new subpoena to him addressed to his Pasig residence and the one in Bicol. We’re just awaiting the reports coming from the one who had served these,” Hosaka said.
The ICI is awaiting confirmation of the subpoena’s delivery before determining its next course of action. Hosaka stated that the commission will study whether there is sufficient basis to file a petition for contempt should Co continue to refuse to appear before the ICI. The hearing is scheduled for November 11 and 12.
Co has previously denied the allegations against him. In September, he resigned from the House of Representatives, citing “real, direct, grave and imminent threat” to him and his family, as well as the “evident denial” of his rights to due process. The ICI has already recommended the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges with the Ombudsman against Co and other Department of Public Works and Highways officials over their alleged links to the P289.5 million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
