MANILA, Philippines – The Senate blue ribbon committee will issue a show-cause order to former congressman Zaldy Co and his erstwhile aide, Orly Guteza, for skipping the panel’s hearing on Monday, January 19.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, the committee’s chairman, noted that Co and Guteza were the only ones among the 12 subpoenaed individuals who did not show up during the hearing.

“In deference to the latest Supreme Court ruling, Mr. President, i-show-cause order muna natin. And if not satisfactory, saka natin i-cite for contempt and eventually mag-warrant of arrest,” he told Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto.

(In deference to the latest Supreme Court ruling, Mr. President, let’s issue a show-cause order first. And if their responses are not satisfactory, then we will cite them for contempt and eventually issue a warrant of arrest.)

Co has been out of the country since July and has refused to come home after the flood control corruption scandal surfaced. 

He has resigned from Congress, and has since implicated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House speaker Martin Romualdez in the alleged kickback scheme via a video series.

Rappler’s investigative report in March 2025 detailed his beneficial ownership of Sunwest, which was later accused of implementing substandard public works projects. 

The Ombudsman charged Co in November with graft in connection with the scandal. The Philippines is also seeking the help of Interpol to assist in the repatriation of Co, who is believed to be staying in Portugal.

Meanwhile, it was Guteza’s testimony before the blue ribbon panel in September that linked Romualdez to Co. Guteza claimed he personally delivered suitcases full of cash to Romualdez’s home while he was working for Co.

Romualdez has since described Guteza’s claim as “complete fabrication.”

The credibility of Guteza’s testimony was put into question after it was found that the notarial details in his affidavit were forged.

While Lacson still deemed Guteza’s testimony to be valid since his sworn statement is separate from the affidavit, he admitted that the forgery put Guteza’s testimony into question. Guteza’s whereabouts remain unknown. – Rappler.com