Manila, Philippines – Since the flood control issue broke out, Co’s name were among the lawmakers tagged in the controversial congressional insertion and project kickbacks, as then House Committee Appropriations chair.
Last week, Co released a 3-part video series where he revealed his knowledge and revelations regarding the alleged P100 billion insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Co said that he is aware of the public’s rage against him over the corruption issue, he revealed taht budget insertions in the 2025 GAA is allegedly ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself.
He also emphasized that him in silence and in hiding is under someone’s orders.
Aside from video confessions where he explained his role on the budget insertion scandal, he alson disclosed the projects under the budget insertions, as well as photos of the luggages of money allegedly given to Marcos.
The Malacañang Palace have denied these allegations and that Marcos will not dignify these accusations of Co.
Fellow lawmakers have also refuted Co’s confessions, and encouraged him to come home and prove his accusations, with House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy urging him to do so.
Since his assumption of the post, Dy have cancelled Co’s travel authority to force him to come home and face his own accusations—like other lawmakers linked with the scandal who have already explained their side and coordinated with the Independent Commission on infrastructure’s investigation.
Dy said that they have coirdinated as well with the Department of Justice and Department of Foreign Affairs to cancel Co’s passport.
Dy criticized Co’s “courage” to release the video but still refuses to come home.
The Speaker argued that video confessions is not enough if he will not come home and prove the allegations with actual evidence and testimony under an oath.
“Hindi sapat ang video mula sa ibang bansa. Kapag mabigat ang paratang, dapat mas mabigat din ang paninindigan. Kailangan niyang humarap, manumpa, at magharap ng ebidensiya sa mga awtoridad tulad ng ICI,” Dy said.
He said that the Congress will coordinate with the authorities should Co requests an additional protection as long as he will come home and testify.
Dy also stands in solidarity with the public’s outcry towards transparency and accountability amids corruption issue in the country.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News