Zaldy Co possibly used by power-seekers — Castro

Resigned Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co could have been or is being used by those who want to wrest power amid the alleged corruption surrounding flood control projects, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said Sunday.

“Tingin ko, nagamit, nagpagamit si Zaldy Co, sa aking pananaw. Itiniming ito kasi ang gusto ng mga gustong magpabagsak sa Pangulo ay mawala ang Pangulo,” Castro said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.

(I think Zaldy Co was being used, or he allowed himself to be used. The timing was deliberate because those who want to bring down President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. want him gone.)

“Baka, baka lang— personal ko ito, ito lang ‘yung nabasa ko— pinangakuan [si Zaldy Co] na kapag kami ang nasa puwesto, mapalitan ang Pangulo, hindi ka na uusigin, hindi ka na sasampahan ng kaso o mawawala iyan. Pwedeng ganun,” she added.

(Maybe --- this is what I think based on what I have read --- Zaldy Co was promised that when they are in position, when Marcos is replaced, the former’s case will not proceed. Perhaps that’s the case.

When asked who the people are behind Co’s move, Castro said, “Alam naman natin kung sino ang gustong magpabagsak sa Pangulo. Sino ba ang nagnanais na ipuwesto ang iba kapalit ng Pangulo?”

(We all know who wants to bring down the President. Who else would seek to replace the President with someone else?)

Castro believed that Co is in a “vulnerable state” and would join people who promise him safety.

“Kasi si Zaldy Co ay napaka-vulnerable ngayong mga panahong ito, na siya nga ang mga itinuturo ng ebidensiya. Mas madali siyang kumapit sa mga taong magbibigay ng pangako na "hindi ka na namin uusigin kapag kami ay napuwesto,” Castro said.

(Zaldy Co is particularly vulnerable at this moment, as the evidence implicates him. He may be more inclined to align with those who promise him, ‘You won’t be prosecuted once we assume power’.)

GMA News Online has reached out to Co’s camp for comment. 

Castro reiterated the former congressman needs to present evidence of his accusations against Marcos and prove the existence of threats to his life.

Co had accused the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as some Cabinet members, of orchestrating supposed "insertions" worth P100 billion in the national budget.

Castro maintained that Marcos is not bothered by Co’s claims.

“Wala akong naririnig na ganyan (ng mag pa-file ng kaso ang Malacañang against Co). Sabi naman din ng Pangulo, kahit sinong pulitiko, maaaring ma-target ng mga fake news,” Castro said.

(I have not heard anything that Malacañang will file a case against Co. The President also said that any politician could be a target of fake news.)

“Sabi nga ng Pangulo, hindi naman niya ikinakabahala, so walang akong nakikita na papansinin siya ng Pangulo,” she added.

(As the President said, he’s not worried about it, so I don’t see the President paying any attention to him.)

Inconsistencies

In an interview with GMA Integrated News, Castro said there were inconsistencies with Co’s claims, like the date between the alleged P100 billion insertions, the bicameral conference, and the time when the former lawmaker was still chair of the appropriations committee. 

Castro also said she is unaware if Marcos and Co had direct communication. 

“Wala akong alam na meron silang diretso pag-uusap,” Castro said. “Sa lahat ng sinabi niya, wala silang komunikasyon sa Pangulo. Wala. So hindi sila ganun ka-close.”

(I don’t know if they have direct communication. In all of his claims, Co did not mention any direct communication with the President. None. So they are not that close.) — RF, GMA Integrated News