The House of Representatives Committee on Justice on Friday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Quezon City said fugitive former congressman Zaldy Co may testify in the impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. if he returns to the Philippines, appears in person, and takes his oath before the panel.
House justice committee chairperson Rep. (name not provided in source) said members of the panel require Co to physically attend the hearings because they conduct all testimonial proceedings face-to-face.
The committee chairperson said the panel will not allow Co to testify online or through any virtual platform in the impeachment proceedings.
The justice committee received information that Co, a former Ako Bicol party-list representative, is reportedly willing to testify regarding one of the impeachment complaints against Marcos.
Former congressman Mike Defensor earlier said Co expressed willingness to testify, but the resigned Ako Bicol representative has not yet personally confirmed this to the committee.
The committee said Co must coordinate with House officials and formally communicate his intention to appear before they include him in the list of witnesses.
Lawmakers said the House will require Co to submit to its jurisdiction once he enters the country and presents himself to the committee.
The committee said it will schedule Co’s testimony only after he completes the necessary legal and procedural requirements for witnesses in impeachment proceedings.
House members said they recognize the potential relevance of Co’s testimony but will enforce their rules on personal appearance and oath-taking.
The committee said it aims to complete the preliminary determination of sufficiency in substance and grounds of the impeachment complaints within the timetable set by House leadership.
House officials said they will announce any changes in the witness list or hearing schedule through official channels once they receive formal manifestations from Co or his legal representatives.
