Former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co has asked to be excused from attending Friday’s (November 14) Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

RH Raymund Dadpaas reports that, according to Senator Ping Lacson, Co’s legal counsel informed the committee that the former lawmaker is currently in the United States undergoing medical treatment.

“Co’s lawyer informed the committee saying Co is in the US, and is undergoing medication. He asked to be excused from tomorrow’s hearing,” Lacson said.

Senator Imee Marcos earlier disclosed that Co was initially expected to appear via Zoom, replacing former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as the so-called “star witness” in the probe.

Marcos said she was informed that Co had agreed to join the hearing remotely, while at least 17 congressmen are set to attend in person to defend Romualdez’s name.

Meanwhile, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco has also confirmed his attendance, reportedly to make new revelations about Co and Romualdez’s alleged involvement in the controversy.

However, Lacson responded that the Blue Ribbon Committee has withdrawn its invitation for Co to testify online, saying his virtual participation might be used only for “propaganda” rather than to provide substantive testimony.

Lacson also stated that they cannot risk having a witness like Co testify without accountability, given that if he lies, the committee cannot cite him for contempt as he is outside the country.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumes its inquiry on Friday, November 14, as it delves deeper into alleged anomalies in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects, linked to several lawmakers.