This is an AI-generated summary, which may contain errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Artificial intelligence tools report the video as 99% likely to be deep
A claim: Former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co has resurfaced to defend critics of the Marcos administration, saying opponents are being intimidated and kidnapped to suppress the truth about the flood control scandal.
Rating: FALSE
Why we looked at these facts: A Facebook video with the claim was posted on June 17, and has since garnered more than 69,100 views, 2,200 comments, 950 shares, and 230 saves.
In the video, Co is shown saying: “I have decided to come forward today because I can no longer bear the news about the alleged capture and harassment of defenseless people – especially those who speak out and oppose the regime. It seems that some people are afraid that the truth will come out, so they are trying to hide the real responsibility in the scandal of the flood control project.”
(I have decided to come forward today because I can no longer tolerate reports of alleged kidnappings and abuses aimed at vulnerable people, especially those who speak ill of the administration. It seems that some people are very afraid of the emerging truth and wish to hide who is responsible for the scandal of the flood control project.)
Facts: Hive ControlAdvanced fake content detection software flagged the video as 98.4% probability of having artificial intelligence (AI)-developed. Detailed equipmentAnother AI detection tool, similarly flagged the clip as 99% likely to be a deepfake.
There are also no new videos posted on Co’s official Facebook page since November 2025 video the statement that he accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former Speaker of Parliament Martin Romualdez of being the beacons behind Insertion of the 2025 budget.
In April, Malacañang said Co is seek asylum in France, after that detention in the Czech Republic due to incorrect documents.
The fugitive former congressman has been on the run since leaving the Philippines in July 2025.
Flood control corruption: Co has been linked to several allegations of corruption involving public infrastructure, including allegations of violations of the law in the purchase and construction of P289.5-million flood control project along the Magasawaang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Before entering politics, the former representative of the Ako Bicol Party list was a long term contractor. Sunwest, a company associated with him, ranked eighth among companies with the largest number of flood control contracts under the Marcos administration. From 2016 to 2024, the construction company protected 38 billion in government projects.
Co resigned from Congress September 29, 2025after The House gave the last word wanting him to be returned to the country following his continuous absence since the start of the 20th Parliament.
In November 2025, Co issued a three part video accusing Marcos of receiving P25 billion in payments from the 2025 budget.
Solved: Rappler has previously denied such claims by using AI tools to impersonate Co and other public officials:
– Reinard Balonzo/Rappler.com
Let us know about suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let’s fight the distortions of reality one by one.
