MANILA, Philippines — While questions mount over the whereabouts of Rep. Elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol Party-list), the lawmaker insists he has "every intention" of returning to the Philippines to face the "false and baseless" accusations against him.
In a letter dated September 25, Co lamented House Speaker Bojie Dy's order to revoke his travel clearance, arguing it was made under political pressure and "deprives" him of the medical care he has "long previously scheduled."
"I am saddened that my colleagues in the House of Representatives would deprive me of the time needed for medical care that I have long previously scheduled and gravely concerned that the decision to revoke my travel clearance was borne by pressure, rather than adherence to facts and procedure," Co said.
The letter addressed to Dy was released to the media on Friday, September 26.
Dy, however, responded on Friday to remind Co that he only has until September 29 to return to the Philippines. He revoked Co's travel clearance on September 18, giving him 10 days to return.
He warned that if Co fails to return by September 29, it would trigger "appropriate disciplinary and legal actions."
Co, nonetheless, expressed his intention to return to the country, even if this meant facing intense public scrutiny.
"I have every intention of returning to the Philippines. I am also intent on belying the false claims made against me before the proper forum," Co said.
Dy counters Co
He also criticized the government and lower chamber for "prejudging" him and his travel without seeking an explanation from him, saying it has "stirred public hatred" against him and his family.
Dy countered that the revocation of his travel clearance should not be perceived as "prejudgment" but rather as an "opportunity" to clear his name in a proper forum.
Co also believed that no complaint had been filed against him, but Dy informed him that a case is already pending before the House ethics committee.
"We reiterate that the only proper way to address these matters is not through correspondence from abroad, but by returning, appearing at the proper forum, and answering the charges directly," the speaker said.
Comments on budget insertions
Repeatedly denying accusations of corruption, the former appropriations chair Co dismissed claims of pocketing kickbacks from infrastructure projects and manipulating fund allocations during the 2025 budget's bicameral conference.
"The insinuation that, on my own, I had made insertions is untrue," he said. "The Bicameral Report and 2025 GAA were approved by both Houses at plenary sessions and followed the proper process."
Rep. Toby Tiangco has already filed an ethics complaint against Co, accusing him of "masterminding" last-minute insertions in the 2025 national budget and maintaining links with top government contractors.
Tiangco alleged that Co orchestrated P13.8 billion worth of insertions, amid claims that he received commissions ranging from 20% to 25%, as revealed by dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer Henry Alcantara.
"The claim that I supposedly received funds from DPWH projects. I received no funds in connection with DPWH projects," Co added.
Other public officials who have linked him to the flood control corruption scandal include dismissed DPWH engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, as well as former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
Orly Guteza, who claimed to be a former security consultant for Ako Bicol Party-list, also alleged that Co received suitcases of cash worth P48 million each, most of which he supposedly turned over to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
However, the credibility of his affidavit has been cast in doubt after the lawyer named in the document denied notarizing or taking part in its preparation.
Plane for Duterte, fish imports
While he did not deny owning air assets worth P4.7 billion, Co said he does not own the aircraft which flew former President Rodrigo Duterte to the Hague, Netherlands to face his crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court.
He also rejected allegations that he sought fish import allocations from the Department of Agriculture for three companies, including ZC Victory Fishing Corp., which he said has no ties to him. The accusation was made by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. during a budget hearing in the House.
Despite the heavy public criticism, Co said he hopes to be afforded "due process" and to have his and his family's safety ensured while investigations are ongoing.
In his letter, Dy said the House will coordinate with the proper authorities to secure Co and his family's safety.