by RED MENDOZA ​KAMANGGAGAWA Party-list Rep. Elijah San Fernando has filed a resolution that would block the granting of clearances to resigned Ako Bicol Party-list representative Elizaldy Co, amid ongoing investigations into his involvement in flood control scams. ​Co has been implicated in the case involving Department of Public Works and Highways officials, private contractors, and government officials. ​In his House Resolution 435 filed on Tuesday, San Fernando said that the holding or benefitting from public office is a privilege founded on trust and accountability. Thus, the issuance of government clearances or certifications to a public official under investigation for corruption undermines the spirit of public trust and accountability enshrined in the Constitution. ​He noted that House Speaker Faustino Dy III revoked the travel clearance of Co on Sept. 18 and directed him to return to the country within 10 days to address matters requiring his presence, but he refused to return to the Philippines. ​“Granting him any form of accountability or integrity clearance while these alleged violations are under investigation would constitute a clear breach of such mandate, undermine the integrity of internal disciplinary processes, and erode public confidence in the institution’s commitment to accountability and ethical governance, and is inconsistent with the ethical standards prescribed under Republic Act 6713 [Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees] and its implementing regulations, which emphasize accountability and integrity as continuing obligations of public service,” San Fernando said in his explanatory note. ​He added that allowing the issuance or renewal of any government clearance to a former public official evading investigation would contradict both the operational safeguards of the National Bureau of Investigation and Republic Act 6713. ​Granting Co new or renewed clearances while investigations are unresolved, he said, may be viewed as “inconsistent with the principles of ethical governance, due process, and institutional integrity, and could erode public confidence in the impartial administration of justice.” ​In a text message to The Manila Times, Co’s legal counsel Ruy Rondain said that San Fernando’s resolution “does not have anything to do” with his client explaining issues related to the budget.