Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima fired back at Senator Bato dela Rosa’s post regarding the alleged silence of the ‘Pinklawan’ and communist groups following the exposé by former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co.

“Hindi kami nananahimik, at lalong hindi kami nagtatago, laban sa karahasan at katiwalian,” De Lima called out the senator’s statements.

Dela Rosa earlier claimed that the Pinklawans and communist groups may be quietly scheming, 'pretending' to champion anti-corruption while ensuring the Marcos administration remains untouchable despite reports of alleged kickbacks.

“Tahimik ang Pinklawans & Komunista sa exposé ni Zaldy Co. Strategize muna sila how to appear righteous & anti-corruption kuno at the same time prevent the downfall of this government from which they benefit a lot,” Dela Rosa posted on social media.

Meanwhile, De Lima earlier questioned the timing and motives behind the allegations made by former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co.

She dismissed Co’s claims of not receiving kickbacks from allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects.

“Hindi kapani-paniwala ang sinabi ni former Rep. Zaldy Co na wala raw siyang natanggap na kickback sa mga maanomalyang infra projects," he said.

De Lima urged Co to return to the Philippines and cooperate with authorities regarding the allegations.

She added that the public deserves accountability and transparency.

“Kung talagang handa siyang ilabas ang lahat, kailangan niyang makiisa sa mga imbestigasyon, at sumagot sa mga tanong. Dahil kahit makailang part pa umabot ang videos niya, hindi magagamit sa korte ang kanyang mga salaysay at ipinapakitang mga ebidensya kung hindi niya panunumpaan sa tamang forum,” De Lima added.

"Ang gusto ng taumbayan: Buong katotohanan. Matitibay na ebidensya para sa malakas na mga kaso; walang paghuhugas ng kamay, walang pinagtatakpan. Walang maitim na agenda,“ De Lima stressed. "Higit sa lahat, maipakulong sa lalong madaling panahon ang lahat ng sangkot, at maibalik ang mga ninakaw sa kaban ng bayan."