House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III has given an ultimatum to the controversial Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
In a letter sent to Co on Friday, Sept. 26, Dy gave the former until Monday, Sept. 29, 2025 to return to the country and face the allegations against him.
Dy warned Co that failure to comply “shall be construed as a refusal to subject yourself to the lawful processes of the House and will result in the initiation of appropriate disciplinary and legal actions".
Dy shared this to reporters just minutes after Co's office made public the party-list solon's response to the Speaker's revocation of his travel clearance last Sept. 18.
With the revocation, Dy ordered Co to return to the Philippines within 10 days. The Speaker is now giving a hard deadline for this order.
Dy, who represents Isabela's 6th district, says Co’s communication has been referred to the House Committee on Ethics, where a complaint is already pending.
"Should you choose to return home, the House will coordinate with the proper authorities to secure your safety and that of your family," the Speaker assured Co, who was the Committee on Appropriations chairman during the previous 19th Congress.
He pointed out that the cancellation of Co’s travel clearance was "a necessary opportunity to answer the allegations against you directly and in the proper forum.”
The Speaker stressed to Co that “coming home will allow you to respond to this complaint, as well as to fully present and elaborate on the defenses you outlined in your letter".
“The only proper way to address these matters is not through correspondence from abroad, but by returning, appearing at the proper forum, and answering the charges directly," Dy said.
Co is a central figure in the flood control projects corruption scandal. He is reportedly seeking medication for his heart ailment abroad.