The House of Representatives is still awaiting a response from Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, whose travel clearance was rescinded last week.
This was stated by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy II, who on Monday, Sept. 22 ensured that the leadership would respond accordingly to the issue involving the controversial congressman.
“Wala pa [response] sa ngayon, but siguro antayin natin. Tutal binigyan naman natin siya ng sampung araw para malaman natin kung ano yung magiging kasagutan ni Congressman Zaldy Co,” Dy said in a chance interview.
Co was the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations in the previous 19th Congress. The national budget during the final year of the 19th Congress–the P6.352-trillion 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA)–was allegedly rife with “insertions”.
Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. told reporters earlier this month that Co had a heart ailment and was receiving treatment in the United States (US).
In a letter dated Sept. 18, 2025, Dy informed Co that “your existing travel clearance for your personal trip is hereby revoked effective immediately”. He said the revocation was “in the paramount interest of the public and due to the existence of pressing national matters requiring your physical presence”.
“In the exigency of service, you are hereby directed to return to the Philippines within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of this notice,” Dy added.
Asked if the House leadership would push for an ethics complaint against Co if he doesn’t come home, Dy said they will talk about it.
“Siguro pag-uusapan natin, pag uusapan ng leadership, especially yung chair ng ethics kung ano pa ‘yung pwedeng gawin para matiyak natin na makauwi si Congressman Zaldy Co,” said the Isabela 6th district congressman.
4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos chairs the Committee on Ethics and Privileges in the current 20th Congress. (Ellson Quismorio)
