During the third Senate hearing on anomalous flood mitigation programs, Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco alleged that Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, former chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, inserted P13.8 billion worth of funds—including allocations for flood control and other infrastructure projects—into the bicameral conference committee version of the 2025 national budget.
Co is linked to Sunwest Inc., a conglomerate he founded that has secured billions in government contracts. House colleagues conducting a separate inquiry into flood control projects suggested that Co should appear to address these allegations.
House Spokesperson Princess Abante stated last week that Co is currently in the United States for medical treatment. His trip is authorized under a government-issued travel authority required for officials leaving the country.