Co challenges Ombudsman to probe Marcos, Romualdez in flood control scandal

Former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co released on Sunday the final installment of his three-part video series, doubling down on allegations that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez were behind the controversial flood control scandal.

In the finale of his video trilogy, Co publicly challenged Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla to investigate both Marcos and Romualdez despite his close ties to them.

“I challenge Ombudsman Remulla if he is truly serious about what he said in his press release — that he would include even Martin Romualdez if I provide evidence,” Co said in Filipino. “He should prove his pronouncement now. He should investigate his fraternity brother and his friend, Speaker Martin Romualdez, if he really intends to fulfill his duty. He should also investigate President Bongbong Marcos.”

Before the latest video was posted, the Office of the Ombudsman issued a statement addressing Co’s exposés, saying he bypassed proper legal processes by posting unsworn allegations online.

“There is a rhythm to every serious investigation — a sequence that protects the truth, shields it from distortion, and preserves the integrity of the process. It is deliberate work, careful work, and at times, painfully slow work — but it is the only way to ensure that justice is real and not merely loud,” the Ombudsman said.

The agency admitted frustration, noting that Co’s videos contain fragments of information that may “carry weight but cannot stand alone in a court of law” without sworn testimony.

“Mr. Co, we respectfully urge you: submit your statements under oath, through the proper process, so they may be examined with the seriousness they deserve. If the intention is to help uncover the truth, then let us pursue it in the manner that leads to real and enforceable accountability — not through spectacle, but through the rules that govern us all,” the Office of the Ombudsman added.

Co says he fears for his safety

In his latest video, Co cast doubt on Remulla’s willingness to investigate Romualdez and Marcos, saying he instead expects the Senate investigation to pursue the truth.

He also claimed his legal problems will pile up following his revelations and alleged that “the current administration is using all of its resources” to destroy his credibility. Co expressed fear for his life and his family’s safety after going public.

He again recounted earlier dealings with Romualdez, saying he initially believed the former Speaker’s promise to “take care of him.” However, he now alleges that Romualdez threatened him beginning March 2025.

Co claimed in Filipino that Romualdez told him he would be “shot” if he spoke out. He also alleged that another phone call warned him not to return to the Philippines because “they might hire someone to do a rub-out” or have him killed in jail.

More revelations promised

Co reiterated that his statements so far are only a small part of what he intends to disclose.

He disputed the earlier claim that P26 billion went to flood control projects, alleging instead that the amount was P56 billion and that “all went to Marcos and Romualdez.”

"I will release the full details in the coming days. Please bear with me a little longer; I hope they don't kill me before I can release everything. To all of you in the Philippines, especially my family, I sincerely ask for your forgiveness,” Co said.

He again insisted that he acted only as a middleman in budget transactions.

“I only followed the order given to me, but now I am ready to face everything. I repeat regarding the money, none of it went to me. The money only passed through me to be delivered to Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Marcos,” he emphasized.