Amid controversies surrounding the 2025 national budget, the House of Representatives has removed Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co from his role as chairperson of the appropriations committee.
MANILA, Philippines – In a meaningful political move, the House of Representatives declared the position of appropriations committee chairperson vacant during its first plenary session of 2025 on Monday, January 13. House Speaker Martin Romualdez approved the motion, which was raised by Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Zaldy Co, who played a key role in preparing the 2025 budget, stepped down from his post shortly after the decision was made public. In a statement released just over an hour later,co cited “pressing health concerns” as the reason for his resignation. “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,” he said.
Co also expressed gratitude for the chance to serve, stating, “I have always served at the pleasure of the majority. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of steering the nation’s budget in service of the House of the people and the constituents we represent.”
The 2025 General Appropriations Act,initially slated for signing on December 20,2024,was delayed until December 30 to allow for a more thorough review. the final version of the budget faced widespread criticism, particularly for a P10-billion cut to the Department of education’s computerization program and the complete removal of subsidies for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
Watchdogs raised concerns about the budget’s constitutionality, arguing that it allocated more funds to public works than to education, a direct violation of constitutional mandates. Despite thes criticisms, the bicameral conference committee restored the P26-billion budget for Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita, a cash aid program championed by Speaker Romualdez. The Senate had initially sought to defund the program but ultimately conceded to the House’s position.
President Marcos Jr. later vetoed P194 billion worth of line items, including P26.065 billion for Department of public Works and Highways projects and P168.24 billion in unprogrammed appropriations.
Zaldy Co, a second-term lawmaker and prominent business figure in the Bicol region, has been a polarizing figure during his tenure. Over the past two years, he has clashed with several high-profile politicians, including Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman, Senator Joel Villanueva, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, and Vice President Sara Duterte.
How might the removal of Representative Co impact the passage of the 2025 budget?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Political Analyst Dr. Maria Santos on the Removal of Zaldy Co as Appropriations Committee Chairperson
Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Santos. Thank you for joining us today. The recent removal of Representative Zaldy Co as chairperson of the House Appropriations Committee has sparked significant discussion. As a seasoned political analyst, what are your thoughts on this growth?
Dr. Maria Santos: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The removal of Representative Co is indeed a significant political event, especially given the context of the 2025 national budget. While co cited health concerns as the reason for his resignation, the timing and the manner in which this decision was made—through a motion by Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos—suggest deeper political undercurrents. It’s not uncommon for leadership changes in the appropriations committee to reflect shifts in power dynamics or disagreements over budget priorities.
Archyde News Editor: Do you believe the controversies surrounding the 2025 budget played a role in co’s removal?
Dr. Maria Santos: Absolutely. The 2025 budget has been a contentious issue, especially with the President’s veto of P194 billion in line items, including allocations for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and unprogrammed appropriations. As the chairperson of the appropriations committee, Co was at the forefront of these discussions. His removal could be seen as a response to the challenges and criticisms faced during the budget planning process. It’s possible that the leadership felt a change was necessary to restore confidence and ensure smoother proceedings moving forward.
Archyde News Editor: How do you interpret the role of Sandro Marcos in this decision? Does this signal a shift in the political landscape within the House?
Dr. Maria Santos: Sandro Marcos’s involvement is noteworthy. As the son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and a rising figure in the House, his motion to declare the position vacant suggests a consolidation of power within the administration’s inner circle. This move could be interpreted as an effort to align the appropriations committee more closely with the administration’s priorities. It also highlights the younger Marcos’s growing influence in legislative affairs, which may have broader implications for the political landscape in the coming years.
Archyde News Editor: Representative Co expressed gratitude for his service and emphasized that he served “at the pleasure of the majority.” How do you view his statement in light of his resignation?
Dr. Maria Santos: Co’s statement is diplomatic and reflects the realities of political service. By acknowledging that he served at the pleasure of the majority, he is subtly acknowledging the power dynamics at play. His emphasis on health concerns, while likely genuine, also serves as a graceful exit strategy, allowing him to step down without fueling further controversy. It’s a reminder that in politics, personal and professional considerations often intersect, and leaders must navigate these complexities carefully.
Archyde News Editor: Looking ahead, what do you think this change means for the 2025 budget and the House’s legislative agenda?
Dr. Maria Santos: The change in leadership could lead to a recalibration of priorities within the appropriations committee. The new chairperson will likely work closely with the administration to address the concerns that led to the President’s vetoes and ensure that the budget aligns with the goverment’s broader goals. Though, this transition period may also cause delays or disruptions, as the new leadership settles in and establishes its approach. Ultimately,the success of the 2025 budget will depend on the ability of the House to navigate these challenges and maintain public trust.
Archyde News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your insightful analysis. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Maria Santos: Thank you. It’s always a pleasure to discuss these vital developments with Archyde.
