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Co leaves budget panel

January 15, 2025 Jester P. Manalastas 56 views

AKO Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co has resigned as chairman of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations.

At the resumption of the session following Christmas break, the position of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations chairperson has been declared vacant.

It was Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos who moved to declare the position vacant.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez approved the motion.

In a statement, Co said he stepped down as chairperson of the committee and the House leadership accepted it.

“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 said.

He thanked the Majority bloc for entrusting to him the immense responsibility of steering the nation’s budget in service of the House of the people and the constituents.

“In the past three years, I take pride in our collective accomplishments, particularly the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program, which provide critical support to those with income insufficient for their family needs,” Co said.

“ As the proud sponsor and shepherd of the budgets for 2023, 2024, and 2025, I ensured alignment with the President’s eight-point economic agenda,” the solon added.

As an ally of the administration, he ensured the funding for legacy initiatives in health, housing, and food security — particularly legacy hospitals and contract farming.

Co was a key ally of the House leadership, participating in several programs initiated by the Speaker and other key members of the legislative body.

On December 12, Co joined Romualdez and his wife Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, at a Christmas party for children at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC).