Malacañang has likened former lawmaker Zaldy Co’s abrupt change in appearance in his online videos to what it described as his “inconsistent” narratives.
“From videos 1, 2, 3, to videos 4 and 5, his hairstyle changed so easily that whenever we see and can point out inconsistencies, he may also change his story,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro.
She urged Co to “finish his tell-all,” noting that every new video he releases appears to present “changes.”
Was it really Zaldy?
Castro did not clarify whether the man appearing in the videos was truly Zaldy Co, despite the individual wearing the same outfit across recordings.
“As we see variations in his images, it becomes difficult to know whether it is him or not. Still, we will respond, and all we want is for him to finish his story. Because whenever we point out inconsistencies, his statements also change — from videos one, two, three, to four and five,” she said.
Inconsistencies flagged
Castro said contradictions in Co’s claims were apparent as early as in his first video, where he did not mention transactions in 2022 or his supposed conversations with former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in 2024.
“When the inconsistencies were noticed, the story changed. It’s better for him to finish first because, as we noted, whenever inconsistencies are raised — not only by us but also by lawyers and experts who follow his statements — he adjusts them in the next videos,” she said.
Castro also said Co could not have recorded all the videos in one day and may be crafting subsequent installments based on the public reaction or feedback from the people he names.
We listen
Castro emphasized that Malacañang was listening to Co’s statements but said his claims would carry more weight if they were delivered in person.
“It’s impossible not to listen. Everything happening in the country needs verification. What he is saying must be completed first, and as the President said, it would be better for him to come home and tell everything directly. When you speak only from behind a monitor, it becomes difficult to assess your credibility,” she said.
Castro also confirmed that a Blue Notice has been issued by Interpol against Co.
A Blue Notice is an alert used to gather additional information about a person’s identity, location, and activities in connection with a criminal investigation.
A warrant of arrest has also been issued against Co and 17 others over alleged anomalies in flood control projects.