A condition was set for former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co’s offer to testify on an impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which is that he returns to the country, House Committee on Justice chairperson Gerville Luistro said.

Former congressman Mike Defensor claimed the possibility, but Co has yet to confirm his supposed willingness to testify.

Luistro, in a Saturday news forum, said it is “everybody’s right to testify,” but added that the House Committee on Justice, which will hold hearings on the complaint, has its own rules.

“For as long as he is willing to appear and to take his oath. If the intended witnesses are willing to come before the Justice Committee and take their oath, of course, they can testify,” Luistro said.

The lady solon said that all the evidence supporting the impeachment complaint must be sworn in before the justice committee.

Presence required

Luistro said Co has to appear in person since the committee’s rules do not allow testimony by teleconference.

Defensor and former congressman Jacinto Paras and lawyers Ferdinand Topacio, Manuelito delos Reyes Luna have accused the president of alleged culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.

On the other hand, Co is the subject of an arrest warrant over the construction of an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. He is reportedly in Portugal.