September 15, 2025 — Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. revealed during the budget deliberations of the House Committee on Appropriations that Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co allegedly pressured the agency to grant fish import allocations to three companies.
Laurel said that during the discussions, Co insisted that the DA issue import permits for 3,000 containers of fish. However, he stressed that he stood firm and refused to grant the request.
“We were being forced at that time to give him 3,000 containers of fish, which I did not agree with. We already have a formula,” Laurel stated.
The secretary emphasized that the DA follows established procedures and allocation formulas to ensure fairness in issuing import permits.
As of this writing, Co has not yet issued any statement regarding Laurel’s allegation.
