Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co Resigns Amid Flood Control Corruption Allegations

Resignation Amidst Mounting Pressure

Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co tendered his irrevocable resignation from the Philippine House of Representatives on Monday, September 29, 2025. The decision came as Co faced intense scrutiny over alleged involvement in massive corruption linked to anomalous flood control projects and budget insertions. In his resignation letter to Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III, Co cited 'the real, direct, grave and imminent threat' to his family's safety and an 'evident denial of my right to due process of law' as primary reasons for stepping down.

Co, who had been abroad for medical treatment in the United States and later reportedly in Spain, had been given a deadline by Speaker Dy to return to the Philippines to address the allegations. His resignation coincided with this deadline. The Philippine National Police had previously recalled his five police security escorts.

Allegations of Anomalous Flood Control Projects

The corruption allegations primarily stem from an investigation into a ₱289.5-million road dike project along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) submitted a 32-page report to the Office of the Ombudsman, recommending the possible filing of graft, malversation, and falsification charges against Co and 13 officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Key findings from the ICI report include:

• The use of substandard steel sheet piles measuring only 2.5 to 3 meters in length, significantly shorter than the required 12 meters in the contract's Detailed Engineering Design. This discrepancy could lead to estimated public losses exceeding ₱63 million.
• Deficiencies in documentation supporting progress billings, with some payments approved despite missing records and identical photographs reused to justify separate billings.

The ICI named Co for alleged 'receipt of unwarranted benefits in relation to construction projects' of the government contractor firm Sunwest Inc., which has reported historical links to Co. While Co claims to have divested his interests, reports suggest he may potentially retain beneficial ownership.

Broader Corruption Claims and Official Responses

Beyond the Oriental Mindoro project, former DPWH Bulacan 1st District engineer Henry Alcantara testified that anomalous projects were implemented in other districts at Co's instruction, with 25 percent of project costs allegedly going to Co. Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco accused Co of being the mastermind behind the flood control corruption scheme and of inserting ₱13.8 billion into the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Co, who served as chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations from July 2022 to January 2025, has vehemently denied all accusations, stating they are 'false'. He maintained that budget allocations were approved collectively in Congress and that he received no personal financial gain. He also refuted claims of flaunting ill-gotten wealth, asserting his family's lifestyle has not changed.

Malacañang has urged Co to return to the country and face the allegations, with Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stating that his resignation does not absolve him of accountability. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested an International Police (Interpol) Blue Notice to help locate Co. Additionally, the DPWH has asked the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze ₱4.3 billion worth of air assets linked to Co and his family.

Future Implications

Co's resignation means the House ethics committee will conclude its investigation into him, as such complaints apply only to sitting members. However, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee plans to invite Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to its ongoing probe into anomalous flood control projects. The Ako Bicol Party-list is expected to name a nominee to replace Co in the House of Representatives.