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Elizaldy Co
Elizaldy "Zaldy" Salcedo Co (born December 8, 1970) is a Filipino businessman and politician serving as a representative for the Ako Bicol Partylist in the House of Representatives of the Philippines since 2019. He is the CEO of Sunwest Group of Companies and Chairman of the Board of Misibis Bay Resort. Early life and educationCo was born on December 8, 1970, in Tabaco City, Albay to businessman Delfin A. Co and businesswoman Elsie Salcedo-Co. He completed his primary education at Bicol University College of Education Integrated Laboratory School (BUCEILS) in Legazpi City in 1982 and his secondary education at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Tabaco City in 1986. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer engineering from AMA Computer College and later completed his Master of Business Administration at Aquinas University in 1998.[1] Political careerCo has been serving as a representative for the Ako Bicol Partylist in the House of Representatives of the Philippines since June 30, 2019.[2] In the 19th Congress of the Philippines, he was appointed as the chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations.[3] As committee chair, he oversees matters relating to national government expenditures, including public indebtedness, creation and classification of government positions, and determination of salaries, allowances, and benefits of government personnel. In January 2025, however, Co was removed from the chairperson post.[4] Business careerCo serves as the CEO of Sunwest Group of Companies and holds the position of Chairman of the Board at Misibis Bay Resort. ControversiesPharmally and DepEd laptop controversyIn February 2024, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva raised concerns about Co's company, Sunwest Corporation, alleging its involvement in the Pharmally scandal and a controversial Department of Education laptop deal. This came after Co referenced a dismissed ombudsman case against Villanueva, who countered by presenting evidence suggesting his signature was forged.[5] National budget disputeIn September 2024, Co, along with other lawmakers, disputed Vice President Sara Duterte's claim that only two officials controlled the national budget. Co described the statement as a "scam attempt" and emphasized that budget decisions were made collectively. He also criticized Duterte for not attending a hearing on the Office of the Vice President's proposed budget.[6] Bicol flood control funding controversyIn October 2024, Co faced scrutiny over statements regarding flood control funding in the Bicol region. A VERA Files fact-check revealed that he had misrepresented the funding situation by claiming no billion-peso funding was allocated for flood control projects, while the Department of Public Works and Highways had received ₱1.3 billion for such efforts in 2023.[7] Co later defended the administration's strategy, explaining that funding was redirected toward water impounding facilities to improve food security.[8] Personal lifeCo is married to Bettina Caballero, with whom he has four children. External linksReferences
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