Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Elizaldy S. Co has resigned from the House of Representatives on Monday, September 29, citing threats to his and his family’s safety and what he described as a denial of his right to due process.
In a letter submitted to Speaker Faustino G. Dy III and Ethics Committee Chairperson Jonathan Clement Abalos, Co said the decision was immediate and irrevocable.
He added that the Ako Bicol Partylist would soon submit the name of its nominee to replace him in Congress.
The resignation came a week after Navotas Representative Tobias Tiangco filed a complaint before the House Ethics Committee seeking sanctions against Co.
The complaint alleged that Co violated the Constitution, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, and House rules.
Tiangco accused Co of masterminding last-minute insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, failing to substantiate his absences with medical documents, displaying a lavish lifestyle, and possibly benefiting from infrastructure projects linked to Sunwest, Inc.
Co denied all allegations. He maintained that the budget underwent proper legislative procedures, said medical certificates were not required for congressional leave of absence, and rejected claims of extravagance or undue benefit from infrastructure projects.
He added that the 2025 GAA is still under review by the Supreme Court and the Office of the Ombudsman, making any conclusion at this stage premature.
Co said he intends to address the accusations in the appropriate forum at the proper time, even as he prepares to turn over his office at the Batasang Pambansa for a smooth transition to his partylist’s substitute nominee.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.