Rep. Elizaldy Co
AKO Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co has reportedly departed the United States, according to US Customs and Border Protection records.
The records indicate that Co, who arrived in New York on August 26, left the city on September 13, with his subsequent destination currently unknown.
House spokesperson Princess Abante stated that Co traveled to the US for medical treatment.
However, Co’s departure coincides with allegations made by contractor-couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, who claim that Co received kickbacks from flood control projects. Co has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them “baseless and irresponsible” and asserting that they are “politically motivated.”
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III stated Monday that the House leadership and Ethics Committee will discuss further actions to ensure Co’s return to the Philippines if he fails to appear in Batasan within 10 days of receiving a September 18 notice.
“Pag-uusapan natin, pag-uusapan ng leadership, especially ‘yung chair ng [House committee on] ethics, kung ano pa ‘yung pwedeng gawin, para matiyak natin na makauwi si Congressman Zaldy Co,” Dy told reporters. Dy had previously revoked Co’s travel authority and ordered his return. The House ethics panel is headed by 4Ps party-list Rep. JC Abalos.
