The planned ethics proceedings against former Congressman Zaldy Co have been scrapped following his resignation, House Speaker Bojie Dy announced during a press conference on Monday.

“Since nag-resign na si Congressman Zaldy Co, wala na ika nga karapatan ang kongreso para maimbitahan siya at maanyayahan para umattend sa komite ng ethics,” Dy said.

Congressman JC Abalos, speaking alongside Dy, elaborated on the committee’s jurisdiction under House rules, stating: “Ayon sa section 2 ng internal rules of committee on ethics, the committee on ethics has jurisdiction over duties, conducts, immunities, rights as well as the reputation and integrity of the house and any of its members.”

Abalos clarified that the Committee on Ethics technically loses authority over Co because of his resignation. However, he stressed that stepping down does not remove the responsibility to address the allegations against him.

“Since naipahatid na ni former Congressman Co ang kanyang resignation, in effect nawalan ng jurisdiction ang committee on ethics. Kaso lang kahit na wala nang jurisdiction ang committee on ethics, hinihikayat din sana namin na harapin niya ang mga kasong hinaharap niya dahil serious ang mga allegations na ito,” Abalos said.

Lawmakers emphasized that while the resignation halts formal ethics proceedings, it does not absolve Co of accountability, reflecting the House’s continued focus on transparency and integrity among its members.