Rep. Elizaldy Co 鈥擯hoto from House of Representative FB page
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The House of Representatives declared vacant on Monday the chairmanship of its appropriations committee after Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co stepped down citing health concerns.
In a statement, Co thanked majority bloc lawmakers for giving him the 鈥渆xtraordinary privilege to serve鈥� and for accepting his decision, which he said was 鈥渕ade with a heavy heart.鈥�
鈥淭he 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,鈥� Co said.
READ: Co hits OVP鈥檚 secret funds while touting Akap for high use rate
He considered as a highlight of his service his having secured funding for government initiatives in health, housing, and food security.
鈥淚n 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,鈥� Co said.
鈥楶leasure of majority鈥�
The lawmaker also cited his role as 鈥渢he proud sponsor and shepherd of the budgets for 2023, 2024 and 2025, [for which] I ensured [their] alignment with the President鈥檚 eight-point economic agenda.鈥�
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos moved to declare Co鈥檚 position vacant at Monday鈥檚 plenary session, the first after Congress went into a break for the holidays. Marcos鈥� motion was approved with no objection.
Co said 鈥淚 have always served at the pleasure of the majority. I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with the immense responsibility of steering the nation鈥檚 budget in service of the House of the people and the constituents we represent.鈥�