After being ignored the first time, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has called in once again, through a subpoena order, former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co as it continues to look into the massive corruption in government infrastructure projects.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka said that the fact-finding body has issued a new subpoena dated Oct. 20 to Co’s residential addresses in Pasig City and Bicol region.
Hosaka said the former lawmaker is being summoned to appear before the commission on Nov. 11 and 12 at 9 a.m. Other details, however, on the new subpoena have yet to be released by the ICI.
This followed the first ICI directive to appear sent to the former lawmaker on Oct. 8 to testify on his alleged role as chair of the appropriations panel in the lower house in the 19th Congress and as a founder of a construction firm linked to the flagged irregular flood mitigation projects. But this, however, was shunned as Co’s whereabouts remain unknown.
In the initial subpoena, among the documents that Co needs to hand over to the ICI are reports, contracts and records related to projects, proposals, feasibility studies and master plans for public flood control projects ‘that you or the corporation where you or your family have beneficial interest.’
These include financial records, such as vouchers, invoices, official receipts, income tax return; as well as Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including articles of incorporation, business registration, general information sheet and financial statements.