Marilyn Cahatol

A screengrab from a video released by former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co implicating President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the insertion of P100-B worth of projects in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Courtesy of Zaldy Co

Article (news)

Job Manahan

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co must return to the Philippines if he is really keen on testifying on an impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., House Committee on Justice Chairperson Gerville Luistro said on Saturday.</p><p>Former congressman Mike Defensor made the claim Friday but Co has yet to confirm his supposed willingness to testify.</p><p>In a Saturday news forum, Luistro said it is “everybody&#x27;s right to testify” but said the House Committee on Justice, which will hold hearings on the complaint, has rules.</p><p>“For as long as he is willing to appear and to take his oath. Kung itong mga intended witness is willing to come before the Justice Committee and take their oath, of course, they can testify,” Luistro said.</p><p>“Lahat po ng ebidensya supporting the impeachment complaint has to be sworn in before the Justice Committee,” she added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/22/palace-on-zaldy-co-s-alleged-feelers-for-dialogue-it-s-up-to-ombudsman-1533">Palace on Zaldy Co’s alleged &#x27;feelers&#x27; for dialogue: It&#x27;s up to Ombudsman</a></div><p>She said Co has to appear in person since the committee&#x27;s rules do not allow testimony by teleconference.</p><p>“As a matter of fact not only in impeachment process, sa lahat ng investigative body, dapat lahat ng witnesses under oath,” said Luistro.</p><p>Defensor and former congressman Jacinto Paras and lawyers Ferdinand Topacio, Manuelito delos Reyes Luna have accused the president of alleged culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.</p><p>Co is the subject of an arrest warrant over the construction of an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. He is reportedly in Portugal.</p><p>Luistro said she cannot say whether Co being a fugitive would disqualify him as a witness but added &quot;he is a fugitive and he is facing the possibility of being arrested.”</p><p>It was also not possible for the former lawmaker to testify via videoconferencing or any digital means or take his oath in an embassy, as this was not provided under the rules of the House Committee on Justice.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/22/zaldy-co-holed-up-in-lisbon-community-bantag-still-hiding-in-cordillera-2023">Zaldy Co holed up in Lisbon community; Bantag still hiding in Cordillera</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-Mgrl1Zmsk?si=pDcCLw-GZwElWVPZ" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Former congressman Mike Defensor claimed Friday that Zaldy Co is willing to testify but the resigned Ako Bicol rep has yet to confirm that.</p>

Former congressman Mike Defensor claimed Friday that Zaldy Co is willing to testify but the resigned Ako Bicol rep has yet to confirm that.

If Zaldy Co wants to testify in Marcos impeachment complaint, he must do it in PH — Rep. Luistro

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If Zaldy Co wants to testify in Marcos impeachment complaint, he must do it in PH — Rep. Luistro

Job Manahan,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 24, 2026 01:27 PM PHT

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impeachment complaint

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr

Rep. Gerville Luistro

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