The plot thickens

There is a lot of speculation around the unexpected series of videos released by resigned Ako Bicol Representative and former chairman of the Committee on Appropriations Zaldy Co.

The videos, which were shot in an undisclosed location and initially posted on Co’s Facebook page, had many people wondering who (or what events were) behind the “virtual” surfacing of the elusive politician suspected to be the central figure in the flood control corruption scandal.

There were whispers that Co had changed sides and was “recruited” by the pro-Duterte group with assurances that should his cooperation and revelations trigger the resignation or ouster of President Ferdinand “Bong bong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM), he would be afforded immunity for his part in the large-scale corruption scheme in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control program.

At first, the speculations seemed credible given the timing of the release of the videos so close to the scheduled three-day rally of the bloc-voting religious group, Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), at the Quirino Grandstand.

The grapevine was also buzzing with rumors of demands and ongoing negotiations between the INC and the Palace to keep the peace and the status quo. As the rumor mill churned, we saw the unexpected and abrupt replacement of Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner and close ally of the first couple, Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. Then, who can forget Manang Imee’s unexpected rant?

Also, so soon after the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings with Senator Panfilo Lacson reinstated as chairman, another round of “reorganization” happened within the Marcos Jr. Cabinet with the supposed “acceptance of the courtesy resignations out of delicadeza” of DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin as part of the fallout from the flood control mess.

While the truth of the reason has been put into question, the Palace has refused to acknowledge, much less address, the reason for the resignations.

While it seemed (at least for a while) that Zaldy Co was working with the pro-Duterte faction, given that his narrative was consistent with theirs, his latest video released last week has put a dent in that theory.

In case you missed it, Co released a confidential letter he supposedly wrote to PBBM before the scandal erupted. It is uncertain if the letter was indeed sent to and read by the President, but its contents confirmed a portion of the testimony of former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo on the ongoing flood control and budget controversy.

Sure, the letter may have been primarily released for the purpose of demonstrating that PBBM was made aware of the wheelin’ and dealin’ that went on behind the scenes and who the movers were during the deliberations on the 2025 national budget.

However, unintended or not, the allegations in it, nonetheless, put former Senate president Francis “Chiz” Escudero back under the spotlight and right smack in the center of the questionable budget manipulation, insertion, and diversion of funds.

This new wave of allegations, if proven true, will sully Chiz’s clean, good boy image and may pose an even bigger legal and political challenge for him to hurdle.

Contrary to what most believe, Zaldy Co may not be pro-Duterte. If he were, why would he release a letter so damaging to Senator Escudero, and consequently further weaken the pro-Duterte bloc in the Senate?

It could be that Co is at a point where, if he is going down, he intends to take everyone down with him.