In seven seconds, Congressman Marcos removes Zaldy Co as House appropriations chair

DAVAO CITY – On Monday, the House of Representatives removed Partylist Representative Zaldy Co as chairperson of the powerful Committee on Appropriations in a swift move that took just seven seconds.

Senior House Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Representative Zandro Marcos initiated the action by stating, “I would like to move to declare vacant the position of chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations.”

House Speaker Martin Romualdez immediately raised the motion to the floor. With no objections, the motion was deemed carried, and within moments, Co was ousted from his post. Romualdez then suspended the session.

Co’s removal followed controversies surrounding the 2025 national budget. As the committee chair, Co was responsible for overseeing matters related to national government expenditures, including public debt, creation and classification of government positions, and determining salaries, allowances, and benefits for government personnel.

In a statement hours after his removal, Co said he decided to step down due to “pressing 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. 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,” Co in a statement said.

In February 2024, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva raised concerns about Co’s company, Sunwest Corporation, alleging its involvement in the Pharmally scandal and a controversial Department of Education laptop deal.

Co had also referenced a dismissed Ombudsman case against Villanueva, who responded by presenting evidence suggesting his signature was forged in the case.

Co’s ouster comes amid growing scrutiny of his actions and business dealings, leading to his removal from the key legislative post.