Zaldy Co requested P13B projects for other districts - Tiangco

Metro Manila, Philippines - A party-list representative and former chairperson of the appropriations committee has requested P13 billion in projects for other districts, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said on Tuesday, Sept. 2, as the House of Representatives kicked off its investigation on questionable flood control projects.

Tiangco made the expose during the House infrastructure committee hearing, adding that even the BHW (Barangay Health Wellness) party-list, formerly represented by Co’s niece, Angelica Natasha Co, requested P2 billion for projects.

Tiangco was supposed to show records to back his remarks, but it was interrupted by Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, who wanted to clarify a point. The hearing was temporarily suspended.

“‘Di ba dapat kung kaninong distrito ‘yung project, siya ‘yung nag-request? So, bakit lumalabas si Congressman Zaldy Co ang nagre-request ng proyekto worth P13 billion at ilalagay sa isang distrito?” Tiangco said on the sidelines of the inquiry.

He said the amount was inserted during the bicameral conference committee, which reconciles differing provisions of the Senate and House budget bills in closed door meetings.

Asked if he believes the House leadership is protecting Co, Tiangco replied: “‘Di pa ba [Isn’t it] obvious?”

Tiangco said Co was not invited to the inquiry - an issue he also raised with his colleagues.

Tiangco said a separate body should conduct the investigation into supposed irregular infrastructure projects - instead of the House - after Senator Panfilo Lacson said at least 67 House members receive kickbacks from infrastructure deals.

NewsWatch Plus reached out to Co’s office for a comment.