Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co alleged that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed him to remain overseas, promising that he would be “well taken care of.”
In a video statement released Friday, Co broke months of silence over the 2025 budget controversy and flood control projects.
He said he was preparing to return to the Philippines after a medical check-up abroad but was told by then House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to stay away, following the President’s directives.
“To every Filipino, I know your anger toward me is strong right now. I also understand why, especially with so much at stake. But before you judge, allow me to explain the full truth,” Co said.
“I stayed silent for a long time because I was given a direct order: ‘do not return to the Philippines and just stay quiet.’ I left on July 19, 2025, for my medical check-up, planning to return after the President’s SONA. But as I was about to come back, former Speaker Martin Romualdez called me and said to stay out of the country, and that I would be well taken care of as instructed by the President,” he added.
Co said he initially trusted the promise but now believes he is being made a scapegoat.
“I used to believe them, which is why I did not return. I kept my mouth shut and complied. But what I didn’t know was that what they meant by ‘we will take care of you’ was that I would be used as a scapegoat in their anti-corruption campaign. They made me the poster boy of their own lies,” he said.
“Now, I will no longer stay silent; I will reveal the whole truth. There are receipts, evidence, and names,” he added.
Co is facing accusations tied to the 2025 national budget and infrastructure projects.
At a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya accused several lawmakers, including Co, of seeking and receiving kickbacks after their firms secured government contracts.
Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, former officials of the Bulacan first district engineering office, also implicated Co and other legislators in the alleged scheme.
Co has further been criticized for Sunwest Corporation, which he co-founded, becoming one of the top 15 contractors for flood control projects.
He disputed the accusations, saying he will respond “in the proper forum.”
Malacañang has yet to issue a statement as of posting time.
