Photo credit: Sandro Marcos

House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos has publicly called on Representative Elizaldy Co to return to the Philippines from the United States to address serious allegations of his involvement in questionable budget insertions. The plea comes as Co, reportedly abroad for medical reasons, faces accusations that Marcos says are too severe and are dragging the House in the mud.

In a recent interview, Marcos emphasized that while the House of Representatives doesn't have the institutional power to force Co's return, it is the representative's responsibility to confront the claims and clear his name. Marcos made it clear that a failure to return could lead to an ethics complaint, a move that has precedent in the House. He cited the case of former Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., who was expelled for a similar failure to return and face accusations.

Co, who previously chaired the House Committee on Appropriations, is accused of benefiting from alleged insertions in this year's national budget. Marcos's statements underscore the increasing pressure on Co to provide an explanation for the controversies surrounding him. The call for his return highlights the importance of accountability for public officials, especially when faced with serious allegations that could undermine the integrity of the legislative body.