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Published September 25, 2025 3:56am
Bicolano fashion designer Ellis Co on Wednesday asked his father, Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, to return to the country amid allegations of corruption related to billions of pesos worth of ghost and substandard flood control projects and budget insertions.
"Before I proceed, I want to express my deepest sympathies to the people who have mobilized and stood up against corruption in the streets. I am with you, I am on your side," Ellis Co said on Instagram.
Zaldy Co, while abroad, has issued statements denying the allegations of receiving kickbacks and placing billions of pesos in insertions in the national budget.
Ellis Co said his post was "not a sob story" but an attempt to show transparency as regards his brand.
He said he while he has his family name, he has "always tried to separate myself from that affiliation."
"I've moved out of my parents' home, I didn't pursue college, and I've been working for my money since I was 16," Ellis Co said.
"Over the years, I've pushed to separate myself from their work and have repeatedly declined offers to participate in politics or any government-related opportunities. I have a firm belief that the people who are supposed to do this are people who have the proper skillset, education, and reasons to do so," he added.
Ellis Co said he condemned corruption in all its forms.
"I understand the anger and disgust. The hate is more than valid. And for the past few weeks, I've been having an internal conflict between my morals and my family. I am only speaking out now because I needed the time to have a firm grasp of the situation," Ellis Co said.
He said he found out about the allegations "the same way everyone else did."
"Before my dad entered politics, he was a businessman who provided a better life for my family. As a kid, that is all I saw and all I was told," Ellis Co said.
"Our relationship has since become very vague when he entered politics, which made me increasingly distant, not just from him, but from my family as well," he added.
"And though I try to separate myself from the affiliation, I won't exclude myself from the conversation. I am deeply ashamed, and I wish for nothing but the truth to come out," Ellis Co said.
Ellis Co said anyone who is proven guilty should be held accountable and should face the proper consequences.
"That includes my dad. I urge him to appear before the people and be accountable once and for all. I am not just speaking out against a politician; I am speaking out against my father. And if this decision gets me disowned, I would rather face that consequence than watch millions of people suffer from his actions," Ellis Co said.
"To my father, come home and answer to the people. Have your time in court. People need answers," he added. –NB, GMA Integrated News
