WITH HIS SPARRING partner no longer at the helm of the chamber, Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co faces the possibility of being expelled from the roster of legislators under the House of Representatives.
To start with, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III revoked his travel clearance if only to compel the partylist congressman to return amid allegations in connection with the anomalous flood control projects.
In a letter dated September 18, Dy ordered Co to fly back to the Philippines within 10 days after receipt of the notice.
“Please be advised that your existing Travel Clearance for your personal trip is hereby revoked effective immediately,” part of the notice reads.
“This revocation is issued in the paramount interest of the public and due to the existence of pressing national matters requiring your physical presence,” it added.
According to Dy, Co’s immediate return is “necessary to address pressing matters with urgency”.
“Failure to comply with this directive within the prescribed period shall be construed as a refusal to subject yourself to the lawful processes of the House of Representatives and may result in the initiation of appropriate disciplinary and legal actions.
Under the rules of the House of Representatives, defiance may result in suspension or expulsion as to what happened to dismissed Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. who is facing multiple criminal charges including murder, illegal possession of firearms, and terrorism.
Co’s travel clearance was issued by former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He flew to the United States for “medical treatment.”