Former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co’s whereabouts have been the subject of public speculation amid accusations of his involvement in anomalous flood control projects. With Co missing in action and public demand for accountability at an all-time high, the ex-congressman’s camp had remained silent — until the morning of 5 November 2025, when Atty. Ruy Rondain, Co’s legal counsel, held a press conference.

“Rep. Co would have wanted to be here himself so he can answer your questions. Unfortunately, there are credible and serious threats [against] his life na he’s really afraid to come out at this time,” Rondain said, adding that the narrative surrounding Co’s case has become “skewered” and “twisted” by the media’s coverage of his client’s allegations.

Rondain earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines in 1981. After passing the bar, he joined Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz (ACCRA) Law as an associate from 1986 to 1992, during which time he also completed a Master of Laws at Cornell University in 1991. While in the United States, he briefly worked as a foreign attorney at Hinckley Allen Snyder & Comen in Providence, Rhode Island.

In 1992, Rondain co-founded Rondain & Mendiola with Atty. Orlando E. Mendiola. According to the firm’s website, they handle a wide range of clients—from individuals to multinational corporations. Rondain himself specializes in civil and corporate litigation and has extensive experience in libel law, white-collar crime, capital offenses, graft, and other complex cases.

Rondain previously served as legal counsel to former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo in a P12.5-million class suit alleging harassment through libel suits, filed by a coalition of 36 journalists and three media organizations. He again represented Arroyo when Senator Panfilo Lacson accused him of meeting with World Bank–blacklisted contractor EC de Luna Construction Corp. some 20 times in 2002.

Rondain also represented former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and Udenna Corp. in their cyber libel complaint against several media outlets over reports on the 2019 sale of Chevron’s stake in the Malampaya gas project to Udenna. Cusi was indicted by the Ombudsman earlier this year for his alleged role in the transaction.

“The objective [of this press conference] is to realign, to redirect the narrative so we level the playing field again,” Rondain said. “I’m afraid that not only the press, but the people in general have been misled by inaccurate statements and [mis]interpretations of the law.”

Rondain stated that he “[does] not know where [Co] is,” adding that while he remains in touch with the former congressman, he has not asked for his exact location, since “it is not relevant for his defense.”