Manila, Philippines — November 16
Former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co has alleged that he has been receiving death threats from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as early as March this year. The claim was made in the latter part of Co’s video statement released on Sunday, November 16.
According to Co, Romualdez had repeatedly warned him against returning to the Philippines. In their initial phone conversation, Co said the former Speaker told him, “Don’t come home, we will take care of you.” He added that a second call followed, during which Romualdez allegedly issued a more serious warning.
Co claimed that Romualdez told him it would be dangerous if he decided to come back to the country, saying he could be targeted for a “rub out” or even killed while in detention.
“Speaker Martin called again and told me that if I return, it will be dangerous because they may hire someone to kill me or use the police to have me eliminated while in jail,” Co said.
As of now, Romualdez has not issued a response to Co’s allegations. Authorities and congressional leaders have also yet to comment on the matter.
The controversy continues to add intensity to the ongoing political tension involving both parties.