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Solon's decision to step down from plum post cited

Philippines | Luzon

Solon's decision to step down from plum post cited

By Tristan Lozano

The decision of Rep. Zaldy Co of Legazpi City-based Ako Bicol party-list to step down as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations during a plenary session on Monday has reportedly appeased some netizens.

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

Some of them said that Co’s move was a face-saving decision and done to avoid criticisms.

Presidential son House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos made a motion to declare the position, one of the most powerful in the House of Representatives, vacant.

"I move to declare vacant the position of chairman of the Committee on Appropriations," Marcos said.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez affirmed the motion after no member of the chamber objected.

No successor was announced on the floor but days later, Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo was named officer-in-charge.

Co said cited pressing health concerns in his decision to step down.

"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.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Malacañang has nothing to do with the removal of Co. "I have no opinion on that. That’s the discretion of the Congress," Bersamin said.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/15/bersamin-palace-has-nothing-to-do-with-removal-of-house-appropriations-panel-chief

A post on Co's Facebook page over his decision earned 1,000 laugh emojis, 795 hearts, and 265 sad emojis as of posting time.

Related Tags

Rep. Zaldy Co Ako Bicol party-list

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