MANILA — Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co resigned from the House of Representatives on Monday as pressure mounted over allegations linking him to irregularities in flood control projects across the country. His resignation came while Senate and House inquiries continued to uncover questionable budget insertions and project implementations for 2025.

Co’s resignation follows a wave of criticism and formal recommendations from investigative bodies. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is urging that charges be filed against him and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over a P290-million flood control project in Mindoro, citing “irregularities” in procurement and execution. Meanwhile, authorities have frozen his assets as part of a broader crackdown into alleged illicit gains tied to the flood control mess.

House leaders had earlier revoked Co’s travel clearance and pressed him to return to face the accusations. The Philippine National Police also withdrew his security escorts. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, expressed doubt that Co would return, saying he did not expect the lawmaker to come home.

Co has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations false and insisting he is prepared to defend himself before the proper forum. His son earlier made a public appeal, urging him to face the charges to clear his name.

With his resignation, Co vacates both his congressional seat and, as of January, the chairmanship of the House Appropriations Committee, a post he left citing health reasons. The House leadership must now address the vacancy while continuing its probe into alleged budget anomalies.

Co’s exit highlights the widening fallout of the flood control controversy, which has raised public concern over government accountability and the proper use of infrastructure funds.