In a video series with strong Probinsyano-esq editing, embattled former party-list representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co has released two of what is expected to be a multi-part exposé, alleging a conspiracy of corruption that reaches the highest levels of government.
Dropped during peak social media hours, the videos open with a montage of explosive statements such as “Sana po ay hindi nila ako mapatay bago ko mailabas ang lahat” and “Pero ngayon handa na akong harapin ang lahat.” Swoosh sound effects with clips cutting in from black made it clear that, from a production perspective, the videos were designed to convey thrill, danger, and the image of a self-sacrificing folk hero — the persona former
representative Co seemed intent on projecting.
Co pointed the finger directly at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Undersecretary Adrian Bernabe Bersamin of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, and Department of Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz. He alleged that
Pangandaman asked for a ₱100-billion insertion into the 2025 national budget by order of the president, which Co claimed was approved and coordinated through multiple meetings and conversations near Malacañang.
In dramatic fashion, Co recounted a story involving a “brown leather bag,” tying it directly to the president through a 2022 trip to Singapore, where he quoted Marcos as saying: “Maiwan na lahat, huwag lang ang brown leather bag.”
He also reinforced widely reported claims that he, along with staffers Paul Strada and Mark Ticsay, and former Philippine Marine Orly Guteza, personally delivered suitcases of cash to Malacañang and to residences in North and South Forbes Park. Co presented images of luggage tagged with dates and times, alleging the cash contained the 25% S.O.P. share – ₱25 billion in total – earmarked for the President himself.
The videos combine political accusations with spectacle, almost like a thrilling telenovela in which a single man risks it all to reveal the truth — or as an embattled politician’s attempt to seize control of a narrative amid growing public scrutiny over flood control projects and budget controversies.
Whether seen as a heroic exposé or political theater, only time will reveal the fallout of Co’s videos, and how in a nation already fed up with corruption, will these videos affect our political future.
