Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co was removed as the chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations on January 13, 2025.
It only took seven seconds for the representatives to approve the motion by Ilocos Norte Rep. Zandro Marcos who asked to declare the position of Co as vacant.
“I move to declare vacant the position of chairperson of the committee of appropriations,” said Marcos.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez quickly carried the motion as he saw no opposition to the motion.
In a statement after his removal, Co clarified that it was his own decision to leave the committee, citing his health condition.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the majority in Congress for graciously accepting my decision to step down as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. This decision, made with a heavy heart, is driven by pressing health concerns. The highly demanding nature of my role has taken its toll, and I now need to prioritize seeking the medical attention necessary for my well-being,” Co in a statement said.
His removal coincidentally happened amid the criticism he received from the supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte.
He also received criticism for defending the programs being pushed by the lower house, including the controversial AKAP.