Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co Resigns Amid Flood Control Project Controversy

Embattled Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizalde “Zaldy” Co has formally resigned from his seat in the House of Representatives amid mounting allegations of irregularities tied to flood control projects.

In a resignation letter dated September 29, 2025 and addressed to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Co stated that his departure is immediate and irrevocable. He cited what he described as “real, direct, grave and imminent threat” to the safety of himself and his family, as well as what he deems a denial of his right to due process, as his reasons for stepping down.

He added that the Ako Bicol party-list will notify the House of the name of his replacement.

Co’s decision comes in the wake of a complaint filed against him by Representative Toby Tiangco of Navotas on September 22, which alleges his involvement in dubious insertions and realignments in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

In his resignation letter, Co strongly denied orchestrating or tolerating such insertions, calling it “improbable, if not absolutely impossible” to do so without the knowledge or approval of both chambers of Congress.

He emphasized that the 2025 GAA was eventually signed into law only after what he described as “thorough scrutiny” by the President to ensure each item was proper. Co also noted that the legality of the 2025 GAA is already under review by both the Supreme Court and the Office of the Ombudsman, and said it is premature for Tiangco to claim that the entire bicameral document is invalid or that Co acted alone in making adjustments.

The congressman also addressed accusations over his absence from House sessions, which Tiangco earlier challenged as lacking medical justification. Co countered that the House at the time — under then-Speaker Martin Romualdez — did not require him to submit medical certificates for his approved leave, and he asserted that even when he was physically abroad, he continued serving constituents remotely.

Further, Co rejected claims of extravagant living, asserting that his family’s lifestyle has not changed since his entry into public office. He said they intentionally avoid media attention and do not showcase their assets publicly.

Central to the controversy are allegations that Co benefited from kickbacks tied to anomalous flood control projects awarded to one of the country’s major construction firms, Sunwest, which is reported to have secured some P100 billion in flood control contracts from 2022 to 2025.

Co denied obtaining any personal pecuniary interest from these projects and challenged Tiangco’s claims as speculative. He argued that no judicial determination has confirmed any wrongdoing.

In a separate letter to Ako Bicol, Co announced he will take a leave of absence from the party until it is “safe” for him to return to the Philippines. He reiterated that the accusations against him are false, and said he intends to remain silent for now to protect his family and himself. “We are in grave danger,” he said.