Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co has tendered his irrevocable resignation from the House of Representatives, effective immediately, citing a "real, direct, grave and imminent threat" to the lives of himself and his family members.

The sudden decision comes on the heels of a political storm and an ultimatum from House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III for Co to return home and face mounting accusations of massive corruption linked to alleged last-minute budget insertions and anomalous flood control projects. Co’s resignation, sent to Speaker Dy and the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, was submitted on the deadline set for his return.

In his resignation letter, Co also took the opportunity to fiercely deny all allegations raised against him by Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco.

Tiangco had filed a complaint alleging Co’s involvement in P13.8 billion worth of insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and a violation of the Code of Conduct for public officials, including claims of an "extravagant and ostentatious display of wealth." Co categorically denied any hand in budget manipulation and also refuted claims of receiving any pecuniary interest from infrastructure projects linked to his former company, Sunwest, Inc.

The former House Appropriations Committee chairman defended his continued absence from the country, stating that he continues to render public service remotely and that his travels for medical reasons were approved during his term.

While his resignation effectively halts the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges' jurisdiction over the complaints, Co emphasized he is reserving his right to address the "sham and baseless accusations" at a more appropriate time and forum. The Ako Bicol Partylist is expected to name a new nominee to immediately take his vacant seat in the House.

The move has surprised many in the House, with Speaker Dy acknowledging the resignation and stating that the chamber will now focus on passing the 2026 national budget.

However, both Dy and Ethics Committee Chairperson Jonathan Clement Abalos stressed that while the House's jurisdiction has ended, Co is not exempt from accountability and should still return to the country to face potential criminal charges that may be filed by the Department of Justice or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. The resignation, therefore, shifts the battleground from the political arena of Congress to the legal halls of justice.

‍