House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has clarified that the revocation of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co’s travel authority should not be taken as a prejudgment of his case, but rather as an opportunity for the embattled lawmaker to directly answer the accusations against him.
In his formal reply to Co’s letter, Dy emphasized that the congressman is not only facing allegations of corruption tied to the 2025 national budget and flood-control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), but is also the subject of a pending ethics complaint before the House Committee on Ethics.
“Allow me to emphasize that the revocation of your travel clearance should not be construed as prejudgment, but as a necessary opportunity to answer the allegations against you directly and in the proper forum,” Dy wrote.
He added that returning home is the only proper way to address the controversy: “Coming home will allow you to respond to this complaint, as well as to fully present and elaborate on the defenses you outlined in your letter. These matters cannot be resolved through correspondence from abroad.”
The Speaker reminded Co that he has been given ten days from the revocation of his travel clearance on September 18 to return to the Philippines. That deadline falls on Monday, September 29.
“You have until Monday, September 29, 2025, to comply with our directive. Failure to comply shall be construed as a refusal to subject yourself to the lawful processes of the House and will result in the initiation of appropriate disciplinary and legal actions,” Dy warned.
Co had earlier expressed sadness and concern over the loss of his travel authority, saying he needed the time abroad for medical treatment and stressing his intent to eventually return to defend himself against what he described as false claims.
But Dy stood firm that accountability demands Co’s presence before his peers and the proper institutions. “The allegations against you, along with the ethics complaint, must be addressed head-on,” the Speaker said.
The House leadership now awaits whether Co will heed the directive or risk facing stiffer disciplinary sanctions.