Former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co feels “more relieved but also more afraid” after releasing a three-part exposé accusing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of making budget insertions that facilitated kickback schemes.
In a radio interview on Monday, Co’s lawyer, Ruy Rondaín, in a radio interview said he had communicated with Co via text recently.
“He’s okay, emotionally better now, but he’s also more afraid. He was afraid when he didn’t identify them, especially now that he has,” Rondaín said.
Rondaín said he had no role in crafting or approving Co’s videos. “I had no participation at all. I was surprised. I learned about part one just as it was being uploaded. I didn’t want to meddle in what he would say,” he said.
On calls by Malacañang and the Ombudsman that Co return to the Philippines and give a sworn statement, Rondaín said his client will testify “at the right time.”
He said the process has been politicized. “The Ombudsman can act on anonymous complaints. And now suddenly they say it must be under oath?” He accused the authorities of prejudging other cases while ignoring Co’s claims.
Co reportedly does not feel safe returning to the country despite government assurances.
“They say, ‘we guarantee your safety.’ But you’re still scared. If they shoot him, will they just say, ‘we tried our best?’” Rondaín said Co also fears vigilante attacks given the public anger and disbelief.
On his allegations, Rondaín claimed Co has solid evidence: “Very, very solid. There are text messages, receipts, photographs, videos.”
He rejected accusations that Co was omitting certain documents or had been a “bagman.”
“It just passed through him. Delivery only. If he’s guilty of anything, it’s lack of strength to resist,” Rondain said, noting the testimonies of those who had physically handled the cash.
Rondaín confirmed Co’s claim in the third video that Romualdez had threatened to “shoot him if he talked” in March 2025.
On why Co did not speak out earlier, Rondaín said: “It was a state of mind. You can imagine — who are you confronting, the most powerful forces in the land.”
Co hinted that more revelations may follow, and Rondaín said he expects additional materials to be released but stressing that he does not vet them personally.
More political than legal
Meanwhile, political analyst Jean Franco said Co’s exposé leans more toward the political than the legal unless he returns with evidence. She pointed out that remaining overseas shields him from accountability and weakens the credibility of his claims.
“When I say Co’s exposé is political, I mean he just wants to stir things up, to reset the narrative and sideline the accusations against him,” Franco said.
She said that President Marcos should show impartiality. “It would be better if he clearly says he will not interfere with any investigation, wherever it may go.”
Franco also recommended that Co consult a lawyer to support his claim that he did not personally benefit from the flood control projects.
“His statements are serious. If they are true, let the law and law enforcement handle them. But he should return,” Franco emphasized.