THE Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) said there was no ‘legal weight’ in former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co’s videotaped allegations.
The NPC made this pronouncement after Co released a videotaped statement, alleging that former Speaker Martin Romualdez told him to stay outside the country when he left the Philippines at the instructions of President Marcos.
He also claimed that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman instructed him at the start of the bicameral conference committee deliberations for the 2025 budget to insert at least P100 billion worth of projects into the bicameral version.
Co also alleged that he received a list of projects worth P100 billion at a later meeting with Romualdez, Pangandaman, and Undersecretaries Jojo Cadiz and Adrian Bersamin.
‘As it stands, [Co’s] recording is unsworn, unnotarized, unauthenticated and produced abroad, and therefore carries no legal weight or value as formal testimony,’ the NPC said.
‘If Co wishes to pursue his claims, he may execute a sworn affidavit, submit supporting documents, and appear before the appropriate authorities. These steps-not unsworn recordings-will allow for a clear and credible resolution of the issues at hand.’
Furthermore, the NPC explained that once the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is submitted, adjustments during the bicameral conference committee originate solely from Congress. As such, the NPC noted that no external entity could introduce insertions at that stage.
‘During the period in question, responsibility for House-side changes rested with Co. Suggestions that attempt to place accountability elsewhere are inconsistent with long-established budget procedures.’
Return to the country
Meanwhile, other major political parties of the House urged Co to return to the Philippines and face the investigation on the controversial flood control projects.
The National Unity Party (NUP) and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) issued separate statements on Monday calling for Co’s return to the country to appear before the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).
‘We call for the ICI to act with urgency on these allegations and urge the full cooperation of the high-ranking officials mentioned [in Co’s claims],’ the NUP said.
‘We further call for Co to appear before these investigations and testify under oath to the accusations he publicly raised. If his assertions are grounded in fact, then there can be no fear in bringing the full truth to light.’
The PFD also sought for Co’s return to the country, stressing that jurisdiction couldn’t be exercised over someone who refuses to appear.
‘No video recorded abroad can substitute for sworn testimony, cross-examination, and accountability before the proper bodies,’ the PFD said.
In contrast, the PFD noted that all members of the House who were asked to clarify matters have voluntarily appeared before the ICI and availed themselves of due process and the rule of law, while Co has not.
‘If Co believes in the validity of his accusations, the proper venue is here in the Philippines-before the ICI and before our investigative bodies-not in a video taken overseas,’ the PFD said.
‘Here he will have every opportunity to air his side, present evidence, and answer questions under oath. If there are legitimate concerns for his safety, the government has the means to ensure his protection while he testifies.’