BIZ BUZZ: Philippine Airlines captures ‘4 stars’

Philippines Airlines (PAL) keeps soaring higher, as it has just bagged a prestigious 4-Star Major Airline 2026 rating.

The flag carrier earned the award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (Apex), a US-based air travel organization.

Airlines securing this status mean that they ‘consistently deliver excellence across critical touch points-cabin comfort, cleanliness, food and beverage, inflight entertainment, connectivity and customer service.’

Taking home the recognition is seen to boost PAL’s global credibility as well as cement its position against rivals.

‘Being recognized by APEX, the world’s leading airline industry association, is a significant milestone for Philippine Airlines,’ said Carlos Luis Fernandez, PAL executive vice president and chief operating officer.

‘We remain steadfast in sustaining the highest standards of service for the welfare of the passengers we serve across our global network,’ Fernandez added.

PAL also earlier clinched the 2025 Flyers’ Choice Award as the second most preferred airline in Southeast Asia.

The group flies to 31 destinations in the Philippines and 38 routes in Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East. -Lisbet K. Esmael

DTI chief to lead Asean Ministers meeting

It’s official: the Philippines will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic (Asean) Ministers in 2026.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque will assume the post of Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting chair, succeeding Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

In her speech, Roque emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to elevating the region’s economic growth and cooperation through AEM, which is responsible for advancing the region’s economic agenda.

‘Let me assure you that the Philippines will uphold the true spirit of Asean-fostering development, strengthening bonds and deepening friendship among its member countries,’ the trade chief said.

She added that the Philippines ‘is ready to take on the gavel with unwavering commitment and purpose,’ building on Malaysia’s momentum to lead the region.

Let’s hope that Roque can muster more energy to transform the newly issued Asean Community Vision 2045 into concrete opportunities to generate jobs, stimulate innovation and promote inclusive growth for businesses and people across the region.

Even without the AEM chairmanship, Roque already has a lot on her plate-from selling the Philippines as an investment destination to ironing out issues on contractor accreditation and licensing. -Jordeene B. Lagare

Salceda leads climate talks

As the government scrambles to address public rage over corruption among high-ranking officials, climate-related talks will be brewing elsewhere.

We’re talking about the Leaders in the Asia-Pacific for Building Ambitious Climate Momentum Toward COP30 that will be held on Wednesday in Bangkok, Thailand.

Former Albay Rep. Joey Salceda will lead the talks for the Philippines in his capacity as the former cochair of the United Nations Green Climate Fund and chair of the Institute for Risk and Strategic Studies Inc., or Salceda Research.

He is expected to stress the ‘right of developing countries to development, the need for expanded climate financing and the recognition of loss and damage as central to climate justice.’

This is a crucial development, especially since the Bangkok event is the first major regional platform in Southeast Asia to bring together lawmakers, experts and communities to specifically discuss climate solutions ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties.

Let’s hope that this creates a ripple effect-and not another flood. -MEG J. ADONIS INQ

New mining rules force joint ventures to boost citizen participation

Dodoma. The government has announced new amendments to the Mining (Local Content) Regulations aimed at strengthening the participation of indigenous Tanzanian companies and financial institutions in the country’s mining sector.

Published under Government Notice No. 563 of September 12, 2025, the amendments introduce stricter requirements for foreign companies, new compliance timelines, and additional sub-plans for local content reporting.

One of the most significant changes is the requirement for non-indigenous companies seeking to supply goods or services to mining contractors, subcontractors, licensees, or the State Mining Corporation to form joint ventures with local firms. These joint ventures must include an indigenous Tanzanian company that is 100 percent citizen-owned and operating in the same line of business.

According to the notice the local partner is required to hold at least 20 percent equity, unless the goods and services fall under an exemption which is set to be published separately. The regulations also introduce a new provision requiring the Mining Commission to publish, in the Gazette and other platforms, a list of goods and services that must be supplied exclusively by Tanzanian-owned firms.

Further, the amendments expand the scope of local content plans. Companies must now include both a banking services sub-plan and a procurement sub-plan in their submissions.

In addition, if the Mining Commission fails to respond to a revised local content plan within 50 working days, the plan will be deemed automatically approved. The updated framework also redefines thresholds for sole-sourced contracts.

Any mining-related contract valued at more than the equivalent of $10,000 will now require stricter scrutiny and compliance with local content rules. Other technical adjustments include revisions to prequalification requirements for bidders, clarification of reporting obligations, and the inclusion of the Director of the Mineral Audit and Trading Department in the oversight framework.

The notice which was signed by Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde aims at reforms that are intended to deepen local participation, build capacity among Tanzanian companies, and ensure the country benefits more equitably from its mineral wealth. The move comes as Tanzania continues to tighten its mining sector governance, balancing efforts to attract foreign investment with a push to maximize local benefits from the country’s vast mineral resources.

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Folz praises squad strength after eliminating Wiliete

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland champions Young Africans (Yanga) continued their strong start to the season with a 2-0 home victory over Angola’s Wiliete Benguela, securing progression to the next round of the CAF Champions League with a commanding 5-0 aggregate score.

Yanga head coach Romain Folz praised the consistency and reliability of his core squad, noting that their performance across competitions has been crucial to the team’s success. “We have a strong and reliable squad.

These players have delivered results match after match, and their consistency gives us a solid foundation to compete at the highest level,” said Folz. He also addressed the challenge of balancing squad rotation with maintaining performance.

“We rotate where necessary, but keeping a rhythm is important. Our core players have proven their quality, and the rest are developing alongside them,” he added.

In the second-leg clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Pacome Zouzoua once again stole the spotlight, opening the scoring with a brilliant display of skill. Aziz Andabwile added the second goal, cementing Yanga’s dominance over the Angolan side.

Folz singled out Pacome for his tactical intelligence and ability to unsettle defenders. “Players like him give us a real advantage, both domestically and in continental competitions,” he said.

This season, across four competitive matches–including the Community Shield win over Simba (1-0), the CAF Champions League first-leg victory in Angola (3-0), the Mainland Tanzania Premier League opener against Pamba Jiji (3-0), and the recent second-leg win over Wiliete (2-0)–Folz has relied heavily on a core group of players. Overall, Yanga’s scoring form have been impressive.

The team opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bandari FC of Kenya during Mwananchi Day, followed by the Community Shield triumph over Simba. They went on to defeat Pamba Jiji 3-0 in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League and later eliminated Wiliete Benguela with a 5-0 goal aggregate.

Folz’s focus remains on leveraging squad consistency and tactical intelligence to maintain momentum across both domestic and continental competitions. “Every match teaches us something.

Our discipline, depth, and the quality of our players are what will help Yanga continue to grow,” he said. .

Sanctuaries

I was stunned by the headlines in American media this Monday morning, the breaking news being a multi-pronged attack on a Mormon (Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) church.

It was Sunday morning in Michigan, with worshippers inside the church. A gunman crashed his vehicle into the church, set the church on fire, then began shooting, killing at least four people and wounding another eight. The gunman was killed in the exchange of fire with the police.

Mass shootings in schools have become all too common in the United States, but places of worship are increasingly vulnerable as well-churches, synagogues, mosques.

The attacks on schools and places of worship create more anxiety about the situation in the US, reflecting an epidemic of bloody and deadly violence triggered by differences in beliefs, religious and secular. The attacks on places of worship are more specific, reflecting a polarized nation, now driven by hatred.

The news from Michigan got me thinking about our own situation. We have had attacks on mosques and churches, mainly in Mindanao. As far as I can remember, we have not had shootings in schools, but let’s not forget that schools have been attacked by military and paramilitary units in Mindanao, almost all involving schools put up for lumads (indigenous peoples of Mindanao), and which have been Red-tagged as institutions for communist indoctrination. The government attacks have resulted in many of the lumad schools being closed down, with an estimated 10,000 students now deprived of schooling. (These schools are put up by religious groups, mainly Catholic, and students are scholars.)

Just last week, I attended the inauguration of a commemorative photo exhibit at Adamson University about the lumad, part of a larger archiving project that documents how the schools were established and how they evolved.

After the inauguration, I talked with some young faculty, and the conversation shifted to the Sept. 21 rally against corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways, focusing on one contingent of youth who were not with organized rallyists. Violence broke out mainly around Mendiola as police went after this group. At least two were killed in the attacks by the police.

Thinking of the attacks in the US and in the Philippines, I thought about how, in the 1970s, during martial law, systems were put in place among activist groups to protect rallyists. I remember the briefings by ‘veteran’ activists: observing a buddy system from start until finish, even accompanying others back to dorms and homes; following instructions from marshals (e.g., ‘dapa!’ meaning to crouch or squat, and the most serious, ‘takbo! (run!).’

First-aid teams were also in place, many of them medical and nursing students (and an occasional stray veterinary student). The activists also had networks in place with the hospitals and sympathetic hospital staff. Under martial law, any bullet wound had to be reported to the police or the Armed Forces, so hospital admissions had to be discreet.

There was a respite in the government’s violence after martial law, but under former President Rodrigo Duterte, violence resumed: beatings, illegal detention, disappearances. And now, under President Marcos, we see another surge in violence, like what we saw last Sept. 21, with corruption now drawing protesters of all ages.

Through all these years-more than 60 years if you think of the repressive responses even during democratic interludes-we never really tapped the concept of sanctuaries, which was strong in Europe and goes back to the Middle Ages. Both churches and universities offered sanctuaries for people being persecuted for daring to express dissent. These included political as well as religious protesters, for example, Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation leaders. Being within a church building or a university campus assured safety, if not one’s life.

Informally, university officials like me (as University of the Philippines Diliman chancellor), argued for sanctuary in the name of academic freedom. The lumad students who needed to continue their schooling were among those offered sanctuary, not just in UP but also in religious universities.

We now live in troubled times throughout the world, and we, in the Philippines, should think of ways to put up more sanctuaries, sacred spaces, safe spaces. Goodness, if we have sanctuaries for birds and threatened animals, then all the more we need them for our youth, and more. It’s not just sanctuaries but disaster preparedness of a different kind. Over the weekend, I talked with a grandmother in her 60s, not your usual street protester, who proudly related her Sept. 21 experience, and how she was planning to buy foldable seats to share with other senior citizens!

Ten coaches pass international Taekwondo coaching course

Kibaha. Out of 30 participants, 10 coaches have successfully passed an internationally recognised Taekwondo coaching course.

The course, held at the Olympafrica Centre in Kibaha, Coast Region, was conducted by Jun Cheol Yoon from the World Taekwondo Federation. Dr Yoon, who also serves as the Chairman of World Taekwondo referees, said he was impressed by the steady improvement in technical skills and tactics among the coaches during the training.

“Passing or failing depends on performance, but I must commend all the coaches for their effort. Each one of them fought hard from day one, even after I warned them about the toughness of the training.

Right now, every graduate is in pain, but it is productive pain. You are not leaving here the same as you came–your technical and tactical levels have improved,” said Dr Yoon.

He added that in the first week he observed that each trainee had unique strengths that could contribute to the development of Taekwondo. Of the participants, 10 coaches managed to pass the entry-level stage of the program, which was organized by the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC), sponsored by the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity (OS) and coordinated by the Tanzania Taekwondo Federation (TTF).

TTF President Ramoudh Ally described the achievement as a major boost for the sport’s growth in the country. “If these 10 qualified coaches each establish a Taekwondo club in their areas and recruit 30 players, we will gain 300 new athletes.

That’s a promising start for the development of our sport,” said Ally. He encouraged the coaches to reach out to the Federation for support with training equipment if needed.

Ally said that the ultimate goal is to prepare the next generation of Taekwondo athletes capable of qualifying for the 2032 Olympic Games, through short-, medium- and long-term plans. For those who did not meet the passing grade, Ally assured that arrangements would be made for them to access additional international courses through the World Taekwondo Federation.

“We will issue an update soon, as the goal is to increase the number of certified coaches. Those who passed will be issued national coaching licenses while awaiting approval of licenses from the World Taekwondo Federation,” he said.

Closing the program, TOC Vice Chairman Henry Tandau urged the graduates to apply their knowledge for the betterment of the sport. “We must ask ourselves, where will Taekwondo be 10 years from now? If you have a vision and work towards it, such as preparing for the 2032 Olympics, you can achieve it,” he said.

Tandau, however, cautioned that the success of only 10 coaches is not enough. He urged them to pursue higher levels of qualification.

“You must be ambitious. Whenever I attend major tournaments, I don’t see many Tanzanian coaches or referees.

We must organize ourselves. Without proper planning, you cannot progress,” he stressed.

One of the graduates, Janeth Oscar from Dar es Salaam, expressed appreciation for the training program, which was delivered by Grandmaster Yoon alongside Master David Samson. “The program was transformative.

We will put the skills we have gained into practice, although Taekwondo still faces challenges such as a shortage of equipment and lack of modern training halls,” she said. During the course, Dr.

Yoon highlighted Rashid Yahaya Rashid as a coach who displayed exceptional performance. .

Government urges people to acquire land titles to avoid disputes

Arusha. The government has reiterated its call for citizens to acquire formal land titles as a means of safeguarding their rights and minimizing ownership disputes.

Speaking yesterday while handing over land title deeds to members of the Police Force through the Usalama wa Raia Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Ura Saccos), Mr Frank Mlinzikutwe, the Assistant Land Commissioner for the Arusha Region, stated that proper documentation provides legal protection for landowners in the event of conflicts. “When you possess a title deed and a dispute arises, you have a document that proves ownership, rather than just claiming the land as yours.

A title also enables you to access loans and undertake development projects,” he explained. Mr Mlinzikutwe added that title deeds create opportunities for citizens, including access to financing from financial institutions, while reducing common disputes that arise from inadequate documentation.

He encouraged the public to purchase land in planned and surveyed areas to ensure that they can be issued title deeds, which promote legal security and orderly development. “We do not want police officers to abandon their core duty of protecting the country to spend time resolving land ownership paperwork.

With proper titles, they can focus on their work and avoid being defrauded on the streets,” Mr Mlinzikutwe said. He revealed that the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development has digitized the title application process, allowing citizens to apply online and, once all documents are in order, receive their title deed on the same day.

Corporal Chiunda David, the regional manager for Ura Saccos in Arusha, mentioned that the cooperative, which has over 47,000 members nationwide, signed an agreement in April with Tanzanite Crater City to assist members in purchasing surveyed plots at discounted prices. “More than 30 members have already acquired plots, and we are pleased to hand over the first batch of title deeds today,” he said.

Mr Chiunda explained that since its establishment in 2006, Ura Saccos has focused on improving the economic well-being of police officers and their families, enabling them to own properly surveyed and titled plots. Senior Superintendent of Police Alphonce Bandya, representing the Arusha Regional Police Commander and other members, expressed gratitude for the initiative.

“I am pleased to receive these title deeds on behalf of my fellow officers. In the past, it was difficult for many police officers to own property like this.

We are happy to have the opportunity to secure land and build homes,” he said. He added that members are looking forward to benefiting from future projects and pledged to encourage others to participate once more details become available.

Mr Deogratias Michael, Director of Tanzanite Crater City, noted that the project, located in Oljoro Ward of the Arusha District Council, covers more than 1,000 acres and includes plots for residential, mixed-use, commercial, and social services such as schools. He emphasized that the prices were established at affordable rates in consultation with the local authorities.

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Discaya couple appears at ICI hearing in Taguig

Contractor couple Cezarah ‘Sarah’ and Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya arrived at the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) office in Taguig City to serve as resource persons in the commission’s hearing on Tuesday, September 30.

The media tried to get Sarah’s and Curlee’s statements regarding their cases, but they declined to comment.

The Discayas are currently under investigation for alleged involvement in anomalies in flood control projects. /cb/abc

Samia pledges development boost in Pangani, calls for continued support

Tanga. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged residents of Pangani District to support her re-election bid, promising further development in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and livestock sectors.

Addressing a rally on Monday, September 29, 2025, the CCM presidential candidate highlighted government progress on major projects, including the 95-kilometre PanganiSaadaniMakurunge road, now 50 percent complete, and the 125-metre Pangani Bridge, which is 62 percent complete. Adjoining road works are at 60 percent progress.

“Our promise to the people of Pangani is to complete this road and bridge fully. Once done, it will transform access to services, trade, and tourism,” President Hassan said, noting the bridge will connect remote communities, especially during the rainy season.

On livestock, the President said the government has introduced subsidised vaccination programmes for poultry and larger livestock to meet international standards, opening up export opportunities. “When you prosper, the nation prospers,” she said.

She also highlighted the youth-focused Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme, aimed at empowering young people through modern agriculture. Agricultural equipment centres have been established in Mseko, Kipungwe, and Kigurusimba to support youth-led farming initiatives.

CCM parliamentary candidate for Pangani, Jumaa Aweso, lauded President Hassan for transforming the district’s education sector. He noted that while Pangani had only two secondary schools in 2015, 11 new schools have now been built, offering rural youth hope for a brighter future.

Acknowledging health service gaps, President Hassan pledged to expand facilities in underserved areas such as Mikocheni, Sange, and Omkaramo. A master plan is underway to establish new health posts and dispensaries closer to communities.

Tanga Regional CCM Chairman Ostadh Rajab Abdulrahman said the development strides under President Hassan’s leadership are visible and impactful. “There is no reason for Pangani residents to deny her votes.

She only needs more time to complete the transformation,” he said. CCM Secretary-General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro described President Samia as a capable leader whose achievements speak for themselves.

“We ask you to give her another term to continue serving Tanzanians with dignity and commitment,” Dr Migiro urged .

MAKINI presidential candidate, Kibonde, pledges tractors, higher minimum wage in Mbeya

Mbeya. Chama cha Makini presidential candidate, Coaster Kibonde, has promised tractors for farmers and a minimum wage of Sh600,000 if elected, urging residents of his hometown, Mbalizi, to support him.

Speaking at a rally at Tarafani grounds on September 27, Kibonde said his upbringing in Mbalizi gave him a unique opportunity to serve the people with patriotism. He outlined his party’s priorities in agriculture, education, and health.

He pledged free education from primary to university level, focused on skills for local and global job markets, and support for students to study abroad. In agriculture, he promised five acres of land with title deeds for each youth, tractors to replace hand hoes, and open markets for farmers to sell produce.

On health, Kibonde vowed to build well-equipped dispensaries and warned against negligence leading to deaths. He said his government would also provide interest-free loans to small traders.

Running mate Azza Haji Suleiman said health would be prioritised through a free service known as Makini Care. “Health is the foundation of all other plans.

With healthy citizens, everything is possible,” she said, urging voters not to be swayed by money. Deputy Chairperson and Ubungo parliamentary candidate Grace Ngonyani urged residents to seize the opportunity to vote for a local-born candidate.

Deputy Secretary Ramadan Bambo added that the party would redistribute land from a few leaders to the youth. “On 29 October, do not make a mistake.

Vote for Kibonde to lead the country towards development,” he said. .

Cebu solon says Co’s resignation not a shield; Garbin says its delicadeza

Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co’s decision to resign from his post would not shield him and his organization from his alleged wrongdoing, Cebu 5th District Rep. Duke Frasco said on Tuesday.

‘The resignation of Cong. Zaldy Co should not, and cannot, erase his crimes, nor absolve Ako Bicol Partylist, the vehicle through which these abuses were committed,’ Frasco said in a statement.

Co, in a surprise move, stepped down on Monday, meeting the deadline set by House of Representatives Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III for the former lawmaker to return home.

‘Resignation spared Co from sanction by the House, but it also exposed the weakness of our system. While Co walks away, his conduit, Ako Bicol Partylist, keeps its seat, benefits, and power as if nothing happened. This is not accountability. This is impunity,’ he added.

But Co’s fellow Ako Bicol party-list member, Rep. Alfredo Garbin, said that Frasco’s statements appear to rest on ‘conjecture rather than fact’ – noting that no case has been filed nor any judgment has been rendered regarding allegations against Co.

Garbin also highlighted Frasco’s choice of words – mentioning the word ‘impunity’ – while noting that the 1987 Constitution provides the presumption of innocence.

‘The press release of Rep. Frasco alleging ‘impunity’ on the part of former Representative Zaldy Co and the Ako Bicol Party-list rests on conjecture rather than fact. At the outset, it must be emphasized that these are mere allegations – no criminal or administrative case has been filed, much less adjudicated, before any competent court or tribunal,’ Garbin said in a separate statement.

‘The constitutional presumption of innocence under Article III, Section 14(2) of the 1987 Constitution is not a privilege selectively applied but a fundamental right extended to all citizens, including members of Congress. To prejudge Zaldy Co in the absence of due process would be a dangerous erosion of the rule of law itself,’

According to Garbin, a lawyer by profession, he agrees with Frasco’s views – that resignation does absolve Co of any possible accountability – but the move was made out of delicadeza, to step away from office to ensure non-interference in any probe that may be conducted.

‘The suggestion that resignation constitutes an escape from liability betrays a misunderstanding of both law and practice. A public official’s resignation neither extinguishes liability nor immunizes one from investigation. As jurisprudence repeatedly affirms, as in the case of Santiago v. Bautista (G.R. No. 195835, 2013), resignation is a personal act of relinquishment of office but does not divest courts, the Ombudsman, or other investigative bodies of jurisdiction over acts committed while in office,’ Garbin said.

‘In other words, resignation cannot and does not absolve Zaldy Co of accountability, if any is proven. On the contrary, it demonstrates delicadeza – an ethical choice to step aside so as not to influence ongoing inquiries while focusing on his legal defense and medical treatment,’ he added.

Business and party-lists

Frasco also touched on allegations that there was conflict of interest when Co, as a former lawmaker and former head of the House committee on appropriations, allocated funds to infrastructure projects that were eventually picked up by a company supposedly connected to him.

‘Under Section 141 (h) of the House Rules, ‘A Member shall not acquire or receive any personal pecuniary interest in any specific business enterprise which will be directly and particularly favored or benefited by any law or resolution authored by the Member that is approved or adopted by Congress during the Member’s term’,’ Frasco said.

‘Yet as a shareholder of construction firms that secured contracts funded by the GAA, and as co-conspirator in the insertion of billions for projects that benefited himself and his cohorts, Co clearly breached this rule, among other existing laws,’ he added.

According to Frasco, any accountability demanded from Co must extend to the party-list involved, as it may set a dangerous precedent.

‘Accountability must extend beyond individuals. If consequences are limited only to a nominee, Congress sets a dangerous precedent: that members can violate rules, resign to avoid expulsion, and leave their party untouched. To protect the integrity of our institutions, Ako Bicol Partylist must face investigation, sanction, and, if warranted, disqualification,’ he noted.

But Garbin said that the party-list law defines organizations as ‘separate juridical entities from their nominees.’

‘Equally important is the attempt to conflate Zaldy Co’s personal accountability with that of Ako Bicol Party-list. The Party-list System Act clearly defines party-list organizations as separate juridical entities from their nominees. To punish Ako Bicol for unproven allegations against one nominee would not only contravene the principle of separate juridical personality but disenfranchise the millions of Bicolanos who vested their trust in Ako Bicol,’ he said.

‘Morally, Zaldy Co’s act of resignation is not an abandonment, but a sacrifice. It demonstrates respect for institutional integrity, allowing investigations to proceed free of any suspicion of undue influence. Practically, it ensures that legislative work continues unhampered, as Ako Bicol remains steadfast in serving its constituents. To portray this as ‘impunity’ is to twist an act of humility into an act of arrogance,’ he added.

Co is currently facing a myriad of issues regarding the 2025 national budget and the infrastructure project scandal.

At the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, contractor-couple Pacifico and Sarah Discaya named several lawmakers, including Co who allegedly asked for and received kickbacks from infrastructure projects, after their firms were able to bag government contracts.

Last Tuesday, Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, former officials of the ent of Public Works and Highways – Bulacan First District Engineering Office tagged Co and other lawmakers as allegedly involved in the kickbacks scheme for infrastructure projects.

Aside from this, Co is also criticized as Sunwest Corporation which he co-founded eventually figured as one of the top 15 contractors for flood control projects.