Malacañang on Wednesday raised concerns over what it described as notable "inconsistencies" in the series of video statements released by former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
Co accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos and several cabinet officials of involvement in alleged budget insertions and irregularities in agricultural importation.
In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the Palace observed that Co’s storyline appears to change across the five videos he has posted—alongside noticeable shifts in his appearance, particularly his hairstyle.
“Madaling nag-iba ang kaniyang hairstyle, kaya’t uwing makikita natin at masasabi natin ang mga inconsistencies, maaaring magbago rin siya ng kwento,” Castro said.
“Dapat matapos muna ang kanyang mga sinasalaysay dahil sa tuwing mapupuna natin ang kanyang inconsistencies, eh sumasabay po ang kanyang pagbabago ng kwento sa pagbabago ng hairstyles sa video,” she added.
According to Castro, the variations in both Co’s statements and presentation raise questions about when the videos were recorded and whether they were posted in reaction to public feedback.
Castro also noted that Co did not mention in his first two videos the alleged 2022 transaction he later referenced, saying this inconsistency further complicates the credibility of his claims.
"Maliwanag na binaggit niya na nagsimula daw ang kanyang pakikipag-usap diumano kay Sec. [Amenah] Pangandaman 2024. Noong napuna ang inconsistencies, nabago ang kwento,” Castro said.
“Kung isang araw lang ito ginawa hindi dapat nababago ang itsura, it means lumalabas iba-ibang araw ito ginawa. At malamang bumabase sila sa reaksyon ng tao,” she emphasized.
Castro reiterated Marcos’ call for Co to return to the Philippines and give a complete and direct account of his allegations.
"Kailangan muna matapos kung ano’ng sinasabi niya, at mas maganda, ayon sa Pangulo, umuwi siya rito at dito niya ikuwento lahat ‘yung nais niyang ikuwento," she noted. "Kung nagiging parte po ito ng balita at ito po ay nagiging isyu, hindi naman po pwedeng hindi pakinggan ito. Kailangan lahat po ng nangyayari sa bansa, basta po verified, pinapakinggan po ito."
In his recent video statements, Co also alleged that the Marcos family controlled the importation and distribution of sugar, onions, and rice—actions that he claimed contributed to price increases and supply shortages.
Co further accused First Lady Liza Marcos and her brother, Martin Araneta, of being involved in the purported scheme.
