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Advocates Philippines
'I Have Every Intention Of Returning': Zaldy Co Responds To Speaker Dy On Revoked Travel Clearance
Photo credit: Congress PH
Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co has officially responded to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III after receiving a Sept. 18 letter revoking his previously granted travel clearance. The order directed him to return to the Philippines within 10 days, or by Sept. 29.
“I received news of your revocation of my travel clearance with both sadness and grave concern. I am saddened that my colleagues in the House of Representatives would deprive me of the time needed for medical care that I have long previously scheduled and gravely concerned that the decision to revoke my travel clearance was borne by pressure, rather than adherence to facts and procedure,” Co wrote in his Sept. 25 reply.
The lawmaker stressed he has no intention of fleeing accountability:
“I have every intention of returning to the Philippines. I am also intent on belying the false claims made against me before the proper forum. Yet, I am very much apprehensive about what awaits me should I return to the Philippines given that the public and your good office have prejudged me.”
Co said he has been the target of “false, baseless, and politically-charged statements” that, despite no formal criminal charges yet being filed in court, have already condemned him in the court of public opinion.
He specifically denied several allegations:
• Budget insertions in the 2025 Bicameral Report and General Appropriations Act.
• Aircraft ownership linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s trip to The Hague — clarifying he does not own that specific aircraft, though media reports note he acknowledged ownership of other air assets.
• Fish import allocations supposedly requested under “ZC Victory Fishing Corporation,” which he clarified refers to Zamboanga City, not to him personally.
• Receiving funds from DPWH projects.
Co appealed for fairness and safety upon his return:
“I hope that, when I return to the Philippines, I would be afforded due process and that you would ensure the safety of my family and me.”
Speaker Dy, in turn, has reiterated the return deadline and said authorities will coordinate to ensure Co and his family’s security once he comes back. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has said it is prepared to seek an INTERPOL Blue Notice to help track his movements while investigations proceed.
“I received news of your revocation of my travel clearance with both sadness and grave concern. I am saddened that my colleagues in the House of Representatives would deprive me of the time needed for medical care that I have long previously scheduled and gravely concerned that the decision to revoke my travel clearance was borne by pressure, rather than adherence to facts and procedure,” Co wrote in his Sept. 25 reply.
The lawmaker stressed he has no intention of fleeing accountability:
“I have every intention of returning to the Philippines. I am also intent on belying the false claims made against me before the proper forum. Yet, I am very much apprehensive about what awaits me should I return to the Philippines given that the public and your good office have prejudged me.”
Co said he has been the target of “false, baseless, and politically-charged statements” that, despite no formal criminal charges yet being filed in court, have already condemned him in the court of public opinion.
He specifically denied several allegations:
• Budget insertions in the 2025 Bicameral Report and General Appropriations Act.
• Aircraft ownership linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s trip to The Hague — clarifying he does not own that specific aircraft, though media reports note he acknowledged ownership of other air assets.
• Fish import allocations supposedly requested under “ZC Victory Fishing Corporation,” which he clarified refers to Zamboanga City, not to him personally.
• Receiving funds from DPWH projects.
Co appealed for fairness and safety upon his return:
“I hope that, when I return to the Philippines, I would be afforded due process and that you would ensure the safety of my family and me.”
Speaker Dy, in turn, has reiterated the return deadline and said authorities will coordinate to ensure Co and his family’s security once he comes back. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has said it is prepared to seek an INTERPOL Blue Notice to help track his movements while investigations proceed.
Sep 26, 2025
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