Ako-Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co is in the United States for medical treatment, a House spokesperson said.
The statement was made in response to queries regarding Co’s whereabouts, given that the lawmaker, who was elected to his third term as Ako Bicol party-list Representative last May, has not been seen in the House of Representatives since it opened its session.
“Based on my initial inquiry, he is currently out of the country,” the spokesperson told reporters.
“I understand he is in the United States for medical treatment, with appropriate travel documents,” the spokesperson added.
However, the spokesperson said there is no information yet on the dates covering the travel authority or clearance issued to Co.
Co previously served as the House appropriations panel chairperson.
He stepped down from his post as House appropriations panel chairperson due to health reasons.
Another representative has accused Co of pushing for the inclusion of billions worth of infrastructure projects under the national budget and wants to question Co before an ongoing House probe on flood control projects.
The lead chairperson of the House Infrastructure Committee said that the probe will invite Co provided that there is evidence linking him to anomalous projects.
Co was previously part of a corporation, which he divested from when he ran for public office.
That corporation is one of the top recipients of the government’s flood control projects. It has been stated that not all flood control projects awarded to these contractors were done in flood-prone areas.
