Calls for Zaldy Co to come back home to the Philippines and substantiate his shocking claims of corruption against the Marcos administration have begun to snowball among his former colleagues in the House of Representatives.

The House minority bloc and Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) highlighted on Wednesday, Nov. 19 the dearth of evidence when it comes to the resigned Ako Bicol Party-list congressman's allegations even as he insisted on hiding abroad for supposed fear of his life.

"We, the members of the minority bloc in the House of Representatives, acknowledge the gravity of the allegations raised by former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co regarding purported irregularities in the 2025 national budget, coupled with alleged deliveries of huge amounts kickbacks to high officials of the government," the 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan-led minority said in a statement.

"While these grave accusations should merit scrious consideration by the proper investigntive angencies, former representative Co's statements, which were circulated through social media--no matter how sensational or widely circulated--do not constitute admissible evidence that can withstand judicial scrutiny," the bloc said.

"We urge former representative Zaldy Co to return to the country and reduce his statements into an affidavit to be duly subscribed under oath before the proper authorities," it said.

The minority bloc said that doing so "will not only allow due process to take its course, enabling a proper evaluation of the merits or demerits of his claims, while affording him the opportunity to respond to the equally serious accusations against him".

Acknowledging Co's apprehensions about returning home, the minority said: "We ask the institutional authorities of both the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives, and other relevant agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), to guarantee the former representative's safety and security upon his return."

It said this would allow Co to "freely and fully participate in any pending and future investigations of any case or matter where his testimony may be relevant, or where the authorities may require evidence within his possession or knowledge, and/or where he may opt to present his defenses, if any".

For its part, the PCFI said in a separate statement Wednesday: "We call on our countrymen to refrain from making premature conclusion amid unsubstantiated accusations by several individuals, including former representative Zaldy Co."

"We encourage him to return home, state under oath his accusations backed by complete evidence, and cooperate with the relevant authorities so he can answer the charges against him in the interest of transparency," said the group led by TGP Party-list Rep. Jose "Bong" Teves Jr.

"Only through logical evidence-based process can we protect the integrity of our institutions, ensure that truth prevails, and deliver justice for all," the PCFI said. It further emphasized that the Philippines is "a nation guided by the rule of law and due process".

"We join Speaker Bojie Dy in his commitment to strengthening the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) through legislation. We expect the ICI, the Office of the Ombudsman, and all other investigative bodies to carry out their mandates of investigation and the prosecution of all involved in corruption," it added.

The PCFI maintained that those found guilty must be imprisoned. "Let justice be done and let us regain the trust of the Filipino people."

It also said that it "support[s] the efforts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to achieve stability and unity during these trying times".