FORMER Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co failed to attend Tuesday’s Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) hearing on alleged irregularities in flood control projects, despite being subpoenaed alongside Senator Mark Villar and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said Monday that the commission would petition to cite Co in contempt if he missed the hearing. Should the court approve the petition, it could issue an arrest warrant, he said, noting that Co is currently out of the country.
“Yes, if the court does grant the application,” Hosaka confirmed when asked if contempt charges could lead to Co’s arrest.
Co resigned from Congress last month, citing “real, direct, grave and imminent threat” to himself and his family, as well as what he called a “denial of due process.” He has said he plans to return to the Philippines to face the allegations.
Romualdez: “Nothing to Hide”
While Co was absent, Martin Romualdez appeared before the ICI on Tuesday, reiterating his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.
“I am here to cooperate fully and help uncover the truth. Wala akong itinatago at walang dapat itago,” Romualdez said in a statement.
Speaking to reporters, the former House leader said he was glad to be invited by the ICI to share his knowledge of the budget process and alleged “insertions” tied to the anomalies.
“All resource persons invited by the ICI, including Co, are expected to return,” Romualdez said.
“For now, it’s about facts and evidence, not political noise or speculation. The commissioners asked their questions, and I answered them,” he added.
Romualdez also expressed willingness to release his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and said he is ready to attend future ICI hearings if invited again.
“I’m ready to come back to the commission anytime I am invited,” he said.