Political analyst and University of the Philippines Diliman Professor Jean Franco on Sunday believes that the revelations made by resigned Ako-Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co on his social media are 'politically motivated rather than legal' in nature.
In an exclusive interview on dzRH's Damdaming Bayan, Franco said that Co’s statements remain “hearsay” as long as he stays abroad and does not return to the country to present evidence.
“Sa akin 'yung expose na ito is more on political rather than legal. Sabi nga ni Cong. Leila de Lima, kailangan umuwi siya kasi mananatiling hearsay hangga’t wala siyang pinapakitang ebidensya [at] hangga’t nananatiling nandoon siya sa abroad,” Franco said.
"Sa akin mas political iyon. Ibig sabihin may gusto siyang sabihin para malihis ‘yung mga pangyayari," she added.
Franco added that Co’s actions seem aimed at diverting attention.
“Ngayon sa parte ng Presidente siguro kailangan niyang ipakita na wala siyang kikilingan sa mga imbestigasyon at bagama't mahirap para sa kaniya sumagot dahil nga kung hindi pa naman kung sasabihin ng mga abugado na hearsay ito, maganda sabihin niya hindi siya makikialam sa anumang imbestigasyon," she said.
Franco further stated even if it reaches his cousin, Leyte Rep. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the President must not interfere, so public trust in investigations—particularly on flood control projects—is preserved.
On whether President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could file charges against Co, Franco said, “Siguro mas mainam itanong iyan sa abogado pero malinaw na lalo na sinasabi niya, na hindi siya nakinabang, parang para sa aking bilang isang mamamayan nahirapan akong paniwalaan iyon."
Franco urged the public to remain critical amid Co's claims.
“Kapag sinabi kong political iyong expose ni ex. Cong Zaldy Co ang ibig sabihin ko parang may ano [nais] na magkagulo nasa posisyon yung mga naakusahan, para ulitan lang, para malimutan na. ‘Pag nagkagulo magkaroon ng sinasabi nilang reset, maisasantabi ang mga akusasyon laban sa kaniya. ‘Yun ang tingin kong motibo ni Zaldy Co,” she emphasized.
On Co’s decision to stay abroad, Franco remarked, “Nasa initeres ni Zaldy Co at mga currently accused ang magkagulo," Franco said.
"Parang sobrang niligtas niya iyong sarili niya, iyon ang kaduda-duda sa expose niya," she added.
Franco called on Co to come back to the Philippines to provide evidence for his serious allegations.
"Kung totoo, let our laws and law enforcement authority, justice system settle it pero umuwi siya," she said.
In Co's video statement released on last week, he accused Marcos, Romualdez, and several cabinet members of orchestrating P100 billion in insertions in the 2025 national budget.
He further alleged that the money was directed to Marcos and former Romualdez, stressing that 'he did not personally benefit' after delivering bags of cash from Forbes Park to Malacañang.
