Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (Facebook)

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co clarified on Monday afternoon, Jan. 13 that it was his personal decision to "step down" as House Committee on Appropriations chairman. 

Co, in a statement, said that he did so due to "pressing health concerns".

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the majority in Congress for graciously accepting my decision to step down as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. This decision, made with a heavy heart, is driven by pressing health concerns," he said.

Co released the statement roughly an hour after chairmanship of the appropriations panel was declared vacant during Monday's plenary session. 

"The highly demanding nature of my role has taken its toll, and I now need to prioritize seeking the medical attention necessary for my well-being," the second-term congressman said.

"I have always served at the pleasure of the majority. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of steering the nation’s budget in service of the House of the people and the constituents we represent," said the businessman-turned-lawmaker.

"Thank you for this extraordinary privilege to serve," Co underscored. 

He continued to defend the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)--something that he had been doing the past few weeks.

BUT FIRST, READ THIS:

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/13/co-removed-as-house-appropriations-panel-chairman

"In the past three years, I take pride in our collective accomplishments, particularly the Ayuda [para] sa Kapos ang Kita Program, which provide critical support to those with income insufficient for their family needs," he said.

"As the proud sponsor and shepherd of the budgets for 2023, 2024, and 2025, I ensured alignment with the President’s eight-point economic agenda," Co said.

"Notably, securing funding for legacy initiatives in health, housing, and food security—particularly legacy hospitals and contract farming—will remain highlights of my service," he further said.

So far, no congressman has been designated to take the plum post left by Co.