Speaker Faustino Dy III on Tuesday reiterated his call for resigned Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co to return to the country and face the investigation into the flood control mess.
“Hindi sapat ang video mula sa ibang bansa. Kapag mabigat ang paratang, dapat mas mabigat din ang paninindigan. Kailangan niyang humarap, manumpa, at magharap ng ebidensiya sa mga awtoridad tulad ng [Independent Commission for Infrastructure],” Dy said in a statement.
(A video from another country is not enough. When the allegations are serious, the stand must be even stronger. He must appear, take an oath, and present evidence to authorities like the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.)
Dy said he is willing to coordinate with concerned government agencies if Co needs security assistance while providing testimonies for the probe.
Dy noted that Co’s series of videos, which were posted on social media, were merely adding confusion to the public.
“Ito ang malinaw na pagkakaiba: habang ang iba ay harapang nagbigay-linaw, si dating Rep. Co ay umiwas. Sa halip na makatulong sa paglilinaw, mas lalo niyang dinaragdagan ang pagkalito ng publiko,” Dy said.
(This is the clear difference: While others have been forthcoming in clarifying, former Rep. Co has been evasive. Instead of helping to clarify, he is further adding to the public’s confusion.)
Dy stressed there is no way forward for Co other than to return to the country and deliver an official testimony.
“Kaya ito po ang aking panawagan kay dating Rep. Co: Umuwi po kayo at harapin ninyo ang taumbayan,” he said.
(That is why this is my call to former Rep. Co: Go home and face the people.)
