Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- Opposition lawmakers Rep. Leila de Lima and Rep. Chel Diokno zeroed in on former Representative Zaldy Co, urging him to return to the Philippines and testify under oath on his alleged knowledge of ghost projects and budget irregularities.</p><p>At the “White Ribbon Walk Against Corruption” rally in Makati on Friday, De Lima stressed that accountability cannot rest on mere video statements. </p><p>“Hindi dapat hanggang video-video lang… Dapat humarap siya sa tamang forum at sabihin niya lahat ng nalalaman niya under oath and backed up by evidence. Real and credible evidence, hindi yung sa pamamagitan lang ng mga ganyan na mga video,” she said, emphasizing that only sworn testimony can establish truth and responsibility.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/14/lacson-says-zaldy-co-s-corruption-claims-lack-weight-without-oath-1903"><strong>Lacson says Zaldy Co’s corruption claims lack weight without oath</strong></a></div><p>Diokno echoed the call, pointing out Co’s role in the bicameral budget process where alleged insertions led to ghost projects. </p><p>“Dapat bumalik si Congressman Zaldy Co sa Pilipinas at humarap siya sa lahat ng mga awtoridad. Mahirap gamitin yung video lang dahil hindi natin alam kung paano nagawa yung video at kung ano ba talaga yung alam ni Zaldy Co,” he explained.</p><p>The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee earlier allegedly declined to open Co’s video testimony, citing lack of authentication and absence of an oath. </p><p>Diokno agreed with the committee&#x27;s reasoning: “Kung ganun ang nangyari kanina sa Blue Ribbon hearing, may basis naman ang Senate Blue Ribbon Committee na hindi buksan at pakinggan ang video.”</p><p>For both lawmakers, the path forward is clear: Co must face investigators directly. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/14/-pure-hearsay-malaca-ang-disputes-zaldy-co-s-accusations-vs-marcos-pangandaman-1731"><strong>‘Pure hearsay’: Malacañang disputes Zaldy Co’s accusations vs Marcos, Pangandaman </strong></a></div><p>“Humarap na siya, mag-under oath na siya para sigurado tayo na nagsasabi siya ng katotohanan,” Diokno said, warning against the risks of unauthenticated material. </p><p>“Hindi nga natin ma-authenticate kasi baka naman A.I. yun, at pangatlo, hindi pa po siya nasasailalim sa oath. Kaya dapat bumalik siya at manumpa siya at magsalita siya under oath.”</p><div><br/></div><div>  </div>

<p>Opposition lawmakers Rep. Leila de Lima and Rep. Chel Diokno zeroed in on former Representative Zaldy Co, urging him to return to the Philippines and testify under oath on his alleged knowledge of ghost projects and budget irregularities.</p>

Opposition lawmakers Rep. Leila de Lima and Rep. Chel Diokno zeroed in on former Representative Zaldy Co, urging him to return to the Philippines and testify under oath on his alleged knowledge of ghost projects and budget irregularities.

De Lima, Diokno challenge Zaldy Co: Face authorities, testify under oath

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De Lima, Diokno challenge Zaldy Co: Face authorities, testify under oath

Carlos Trazo,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 14, 2025 10:45 PM PHT

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Makati

rally

Leila De Lima

Chel Diokno

Zaldy Co

oath

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