Rep. Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list stepped down as chair of the House committee on appropriations at the resumption of 19th Congress’ third regular session in the House of Representatives on Monday, January 13.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos moved to declare the position vacant. No immediate successor was announced.
“Mr. Speaker, I move to declare vacant the position of chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations,” Rep. Marcos said.
“There is a motion. The Chair hears no objection, said motion is carried,” House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez noted.
The chairmanship of the Committee on Appropriation is one of the most powerful positions in the House of Representatives. It was in charge of examining the national budget legislation from the perspective of the Lower House. Co held this position since July 2022.
In a statement, the Bicolano representative said he was relieved over his removal as House appropriations chief, citing health concerns.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the majority in Congress for graciously accepting my decision to step down as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. This decision, made with a heavy heart, is driven by pressing health concerns,” said Co.
Co acknowledged that “the highly demanding nature of my role has taken its toll, and I now need to prioritize seeking the medical attention necessary for my well-being.”
“I have always served at the pleasure of the majority. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of steering the nation’s budget in service of the House of the people and the constituents we represent,” he added.
Co’s resignation comes amid unrelenting criticisms over the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP)—a financial assistance package initiated by the House of Representatives for the cash-strapped working class.
He, however, indicated no regrets in helping the incumbent administration execute AKAP. “As the proud sponsor and shepherd of the budgets for 2023, 2024, and 2025, I ensured alignment with the President’s eight-point economic agenda,” the lawmaker said.