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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ombudsman to Zaldy Co: Come home, issue statements on allegations vs PBBM, Rep Romualdez

Ombudsman to Zaldy Co: Come home, issue statements on allegations vs PBBM, Rep Romualdez

Published Nov 15, 2025 01:50 pm
The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) said former Party-List congressman Zaldy Co should come back to the Philippines and submit a written statement on his claims against President Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the P100 billion “insertions” in the 2025 national budget.
In a statement, the OMB said that since Co expressed fears for his life, “we pledge to offer him protection.”
In a video shared to journalists last Friday, Nov. 14, Co pointed to the President and Romualdez and blamed them for the P100 billion “insertions” in the 2025 budget.
He alleged that Romualdez instructed him to stay away from the country, and that he would be shot should he speak against them.
However, Co said his silence also cost him as he was painted as the "poster boy" of corruption.
The OMB said: "Sa bawat seryosong imbestigasyon, may tamang daloy: ang mga testigo ay lumalapit, nagsusumite ng salaysay, at dumadaan sa masusing beripikasyon, (In every serious investigation, there is a proper process: witnesses come forward, submit their statements, and undergo verification)."
"Mabagal man ito minsan, ito ang tanging paraan para masigurong ang hustisya ay matibay, hindi haka-haka, (Although it might be slow, it is the only way to ensure that justice is secure, not speculative)," it added.
The OMB disagreed with Co's move to air out his side by filming a video. It said: "Sa halip na magsalaysay sa tanggapan, inilalabas niya ang kanyang kuwento sa mga video at social media. Dahil dito, kailangan naming huminto at suriin ang bawat sinabi — dahil lahat ng testigo, walang espesyal, ay dumadaan sa parehong pagsusuri, (Instead of giving a statement before investigate agencies, he's been telling his story in videos and on social media. Because of this, we have to stop and examine everything he says — because every witness, no matter how special, goes through the same scrutiny).”
It pointed out that the OMB’s door is open to him since it has been asking him to present his evidence.
“If the reason for his avoidance is fear, we are making it clear: we are ready to provide protection. The safety of a witness is essential to the truth we seek," it stressed.
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