MANILA, Philippines — Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co claimed that he was instructed to stay out of the country on orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., adding that he was promised he would be well taken care of.
Co, in a video statement sent to reporters on Friday — after months of silence over the 2025 budget mess and the flood control issue — said he was set to return to the Philippines after his medical checkup abroad but was asked by then House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to remain overseas, which he said were Marcos’ directives.
“To every Filipino, I know your anger toward me is strong right now. I also understand why, especially with so much at stake. But before you judge, allow me to explain the full truth,” Co said in a video, speaking in Filipino.
“I stayed silent for a long time because I was given a direct order: ‘do not return to the Philippines and just stay quiet.’ I left on July 19, 2025 for my medical check-up, planning to return after the President’s SONA. But as I was about to come back, former Speaker Martin Romualdez called me and said to stay out of the country, and that I would be well taken care of as instructed by the President,” he added in Filipino.