Toby Tiangco files ethics complaint vs Zaldy Co

Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco has filed an ethics complaint against Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co for allegedly violating the Constitution, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, & House Rules.

Tiangco said Co violated the constitutional provision on public office being a public trust.

Tiangco alleged that Co, as House appropriations committee chairman during the 19th Congress, “masterminded, tolerated, and deliberately allowed last-minute insertions and realignments.”

“Consequently, the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) has been considered as the most scandalous, corrupt, and highly irregular budget. The insertions bypassed priority projects and cast serious doubts on the legitimacy of purpose,” Tiangco said.

“Noticeably, certain foreign-assisted projects were diverted to unprogrammed appropriations. The justification for these acts remains a mystery to every [House] member.  

“The public’s demand to hold liable those responsible for the insertions remains a roaring outcry of the people. However, Representative Co remains silent and beyond reach,” Tiangco added.

Tiangco also pointed out that Co has been absent since the start of the 20th Congress for medical reasons.

“No copy of his medical certificates has been submitted to the House and to the public. Consequently, his absence remained unsubstantiated,” he stated.

Co is also being accused of involvement in allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects. “Rep. Co could have acquired and received personal pecuniary interest during his incumbency as member of the House of Representatives,” Tiangco said. 

At the same time, Tiangco said Co’s divestment from a construction firm he used to be a part of, Sunwest Inc., is not enough given that Sunwest Inc has bagged P86 billion worth of government contracts in the past.

House Rules state that “a House member shall not acquire or receive any personal pecuniary interest in any specific business enterprise which will be directly and particularly favored or benefited by any law or resolution authored by the member that is approved or adopted by Congress during the member's term.”

GMA News Online has sought comment from Co and will publish it as soon as it becomes available. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News