President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. dismissed recent allegations made by former lawmaker Zaldy Co, saying they carry no weight unless Co returns to the Philippines and faces legal proceedings related to alleged irregularities in flood control projects. "Look at the quality of his statements… Anyone can go online and make all kinds of claims. It means nothing," Marcos told reporters in Malacañang. Co, in a video message shared on social media, claimed that over PHP56 billion in kickbacks from questionable infrastructure projects were delivered to his home. Marcos said the proper venue for accountability is through the courts. "If you have an accusation against me, I am here. For it to mean something, he should come home," he added.
The Sandiganbayan previously issued warrants of arrest against Co and several others linked to an alleged anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, where Co's firm served as contractor. Seven co-accused are already in custody, while others are coordinating with authorities to surrender.
"Present his cases," he said, questioning why Co remains abroad if he is innocent. "Why are you hiding far away? Me, I am not hiding. Let him do the same so it will be fair," Marcos added.
