AKO Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co stepped down as the House Committee on Appropriations Chairman on Monday, after the Presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos moved to declare the panel's chairperson seat vacant.
“Mr. Speaker, I move to declare vacant the position of the Committee on Appropriations,” Marcos said.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez carried the motion, with no objections.
In a statement, Co explained that he stepped down as the Committee's chairperson due to health concerns, adding that the demanding nature of his job had taken a toll on his well-being.
“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,” Co expressed.
“This decision, made with a heavy heart, is driven by pressing health concerns. The highly demanding nature of the role has taken its toll, and I now need to prioritize seeking the medical attention necessary for my well-being,” he explained.
Despite this, Co stated that he is deeply honored to have been entrusted with the “immense responsibility” of handling the nation's budget in service of the House and the constituents that they represent.
In the past three years, Co mentioned that he took pride in the chamber's collective accomplishments with the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and as a proud sponsor and shepherd of the national budgets from 2023 to 2025.
However, Co emphasized that his initiative with health, housing, and food security will remain the highlights of his service.
“Notably, securing funding for legacy initiatives in health, housing, and food security–particularly legacy hospitals and contract farming–will remain highlights of my service,” he said.
“Thank you for this extraordinary privilege to serve,” he ended.
Basahin> statement ni AKO
— milky rigonan 💋 (@milkyrigonan) January 13, 2025
Bicol PL Rep Elizaldy Co matapos bakantehin ang pagiging Chairman ng House Comm on Appropriations @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/RDyhZTsl7j
The Committee on Appropriations handles all budget matters, including the annual General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
