Former congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co has broken his silence on the flood control project scandal, claiming he was used as a scapegoat.
Co revealed that he left the country in July for a medical checkup and had planned to return after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address.
However, he said then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez called him and told him not to return, assuring him of protection allegedly under the President’s orders.
Co explained that he trusted Romualdez, which led him to remain abroad and stay silent on the issue.
He later realized that “protection” meant being used as a cover-up in the administration’s anti-corruption campaign.
Co stressed that he was exploited in what he described as lies, prompting him to finally speak out and present the truth backed by receipts, evidence, and names.
He disclosed that during the bicameral conference process in 2024, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman allegedly told him she had met with Marcos and instructed him to insert ₱100 billion worth of projects into the national budget.
Co said he verified the instruction with Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin before informing Romualdez, who responded that whatever the President wanted, he would get.
Given this, Co questioned Marcos’ claim of not recognizing the budget, pointing out that all additions and deductions to government agencies required Pangandaman’s approval.