The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday said it is now studying its next moves against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who did not show up despite being summoned to attend one of the commission’s hearings.
‘We will think about that, and it is something that we will have to study,’ ICI executive director Brian Hosaka said in Filipino in a chance interview.
Co was supposed to attend the hearing after a subpoena was issued by the ICI-together with an invite for former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The former lawmaker was summoned to testify under oath regarding his ‘personal knowledge ever since [he] joined the Committee on Appropriations, of the National Budget insertions and [his] involvement in DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) flood control projects.’
Only Romualdez, however, showed up at Tuesday’s hearings.
Co has been facing scrutiny after he was accused of accepting kickbacks from government infrastructure deals.
Both Co and Romualdez are also accused of masterminding the irregular insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Co’s current whereabouts remain unclear but the former lawmaker previously claimed that he has sought medical treatment in the US for an undisclosed condition.
Due to these allegations and his refusal to return back to the country, the Department of Justice has already requested the International Criminal Police Organization to issue a blue notice against Co. /gsg