Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Elizaldy Co Under Medical Treatment
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co remains in the United States for medical treatment, officials reported on Thursday. House of Representatives spokesperson Princess Abante confirmed this after consulting the Office of the Secretary General.
Abante clarified that Co is currently abroad with the appropriate travel documents. “I made an initial inquiry with the Office of the Secretary General. From what I know, he’s currently out of the country. I understand he is in the United States for medical treatment with appropriate travel documents,” she said.
Details about the specific travel documents or the duration of Co’s stay have yet to be disclosed. “I do not have details regarding that, I have to coordinate with them further to be able to get more information and once I have that, I will of course share it with all of you,” Abante added.
Background: Removal From Appropriations Chairmanship
Co, who chaired the House committee on appropriations during the 19th Congress, was removed from his post on January 13, 2025. The motion to declare his position vacant was initiated by Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, the current House Majority Leader and son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
His removal came amid growing scrutiny over the 2025 national budget and concerns about lawmakers’ connections to government contractors, particularly in flood control projects.
Health Concerns Prompt Step Down
This is not the first time Co’s absence abroad has been noted. After his removal, Co cited health reasons for stepping down. He emphasized the need to focus on medical treatment for an undisclosed condition.
Sources close to the matter confirmed that Co was in the US receiving treatment. In a statement, Co expressed gratitude to Congress for accepting his decision. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the majority in Congress for graciously accepting my decision to step down as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. This decision, made with a heavy heart, is driven by pressing health concerns,” he said.
He added, “The highly demanding nature of my role has taken its toll, and I now need to prioritize seeking the medical attention necessary for my well-being. I have always served at the pleasure of the Majority. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of steering the nation’s budget in service of the House of the people and the constituents we represent.”
Calls for Co’s Appearance in Flood Control Probe
Despite his health issues, some lawmakers are urging Co to attend House infrastructure committee hearings. These sessions aim to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control projects linked to the 2025 budget.
The infra-committee plans to invite Co if his name arises during their inquiries. However, the committee’s lead presiding officer, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, noted that any formal probe involving Co should be handled by a separate body. This aligns with the policy of three panels to forward cases involving lawmakers connected to contractors to an independent commission yet to be created by the executive branch.
Flood Control Projects Under Intense Examination
The spotlight on flood control contracts intensified following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address. The President condemned officials and firms alleged to have earned kickbacks while many Filipinos suffered from flooding during the rainy season.
Marcos expressed strong disapproval, saying those involved “should be ashamed of themselves.” This followed warnings from Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson that nearly half of the nearly P2 trillion allocated for flood control projects since 2011 might have been lost.
Subsequently, Marcos released a list of contractors. Observers quickly noted links between these firms and politicians, including Co, Senate President Francis Escudero, and former Pasig mayoral candidate Sara Discaya.
Responses to Allegations
Co has yet to issue a statement regarding his alleged connection to Sunwest Corporation. Meanwhile, Escudero dismissed the accusations as a “demolition job” against him.
Discaya appeared before a Senate inquiry addressing the flood control controversy.
For more news and updates on Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, visit Filipinokami.com.
