Dy to Co: Video not enough, go home and face flood control probe

House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Tuesday called on former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co to return to the country and face the investigation into the alleged corruption on flood control projects.

This is after the former lawmaker released a video accusing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as well as former Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez of pocketing billions in government funds.

Cousins Marcos and Romualdez have denied Co’s allegations. 

“Hindi sapat ang video mula sa ibang bansa. Kapag mabigat ang paratang, dapat mas mabigat din ang paninindigan. Kailangan niyang humarap, manumpa, at magharap ng ebidensiya sa mga awtoridad tulad ng [Independent Commission for Infrastructure],” Dy said in a statement. 

(A video from another country is not enough. When the allegations are serious, the stand must be even stronger. He must appear, take an oath, and present evidence to authorities like the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.)

Dy said he is willing to coordinate with concerned government agencies if Co needs security assistance while providing testimonies for the probe. 

The Speaker noted that while other implicated lawmakers have faced the investigation, Co was allegedly adding confusion to the public. 

“Ito ang malinaw na pagkakaiba: habang ang iba ay harapang nagbigay-linaw, si dating Rep. Co ay umiwas. Sa halip na makatulong sa paglilinaw, mas lalo niyang dinaragdagan ang pagkalito ng publiko,” Dy said. 

(This is the clear difference: While others have been forthcoming in clarifying, former Rep. Co has been evasive. Instead of helping to clarify, he is further adding to the public's confusion.)

As Dy acknowledged the clamor for truth and frustration over alleged disinformation, he urged Co to return to the Philippines and face the public.  

“Kaya ito po ang aking panawagan kay dating Rep. Co: Umuwi po kayo at harapin ninyo ang taumbayan,” he said.

(That is why this is my call to former Rep. Co: Go home and face the people.) —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News