The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) warned that

former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co could be cited in contempt if failed to appear in October 14 scheduled hearing on the alleged anomalous flood control projects.

ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said the commission is ready to ask a regional trial court to cite the resigned congressman in contempt should he fail to attend the hearings, as required by a subpoena issued against him.

“Right now, the only option that we have is to cite him in contempt but that is going to be a challenge knowing that he is not in the country right now,” Hosaka told reporters.

“There is no contempt powers by the ICI. Ang process is pupunta kami sa korte,” Hosaka added.

(There is no contempt powers by the ICI. We would have to go to the court.)

Last week, the ICI issued a subpoena to Co, requiring him to attend the October 14 hearing and testify regarding his personal knowledge of budget insertions and flood control projects, which he had previously chaired in the House Committee on Appropriations.

The commission also directed him to bring contracts, records, and other documents.

Hosaka, however, said Co has yet to respond to the subpoena. Asked if the contempt charges may trickle down to an arrest warrant, he answered: “Yes. If the court does grant the application”.

Co resigned as a member of the House of Representatives, citing “real, direct, grave and imminent threat” to him and his family as well as the “evident denial” of his rights to due process last month.