Controversial Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, linked to alleged anomalies in the country’s flood control projects, is believed to no longer be in the United States.
Records from U.S. Customs and Border Protection show that Co arrived in New York on August 26, 2025, on a tourist visa. He was allowed to stay in the U.S. until February 25, 2026. However, just 19 days after his arrival, Co reportedly left New York, and his current location is unknown.
On Monday, newly elected House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was asked if it was true that Co might be in Europe. The Speaker said he was unaware of the lawmaker’s current whereabouts.
Earlier, the House spokesperson had stated that Co was in the U.S. for health reasons.
A few days after assuming the speakership, Dy revoked Co’s travel clearance and ordered him to return to the country to respond to allegations related to the flood control project anomalies. In the issued directive, Co was given 10 days to comply.
If he fails to return, the House leadership and the House Ethics Committee will discuss the next steps, which could include disciplinary and legal actions against him.
Co previously served as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and led the scrutiny of the 2025 national budget, during which alleged insertions connected to the flood control projects were reported.
