Why Claudine Co’s Name Is All Over Your Feed
Published on Aug 28, 2025
Who is Claudine Co?
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For years, Claudine was just another influencer whose lifestyle her followers aspired to, until curious folks began digging deeper into her family background.
Co is the daughter of businessman Christopher Co, co-founder of Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation. Her uncle, Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co, is the founder of Sunwest Incorporated (formerly Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation). In a privilege speech last year, Sen. Joel Villanueva linked Sunwest to the Pharmally controversy as well as the much-talked-about Department of Education's overpriced laptop procurement.
Zaldy Co is also the current Ako Bicol Representative and owner of Misibis Bay Resort in Albay. In January, he stepped down as chair of the House Appropriations Committee, a key post overseeing national budgeting, citing "pressing health concerns." According to Rappler, he has since divested from Sunwest but continues to be a “beneficial owner.”
Also read: Bureau of Customs to Investigate Discayas’ Fleet of 40 Luxury Cars
Why the controversy?
In July, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. revealed in his fourth State of the Nation Address that P100 billion of the budget for flood control projects from 2023 to 2025 has been awarded to just 15 contractors. Both Co firms landed on this list: Sunwest ranked eighth, while Hi-Tone ranked ninth.
Marcos clarified: "We are not accusing anyone of anything yet. However, it gives us an idea of what—how this has been conducted so I hope the people will take advantage of this."
With these company names out in the open, attention quickly shifted to the people behind them. And social media users were quick to connect one Co to another. Claudine is now being called out on social media for the kind of lifestyle she exhibits in her platforms, in light of the issues members of her family has been linked to. Her online accounts has since been deactivated, but not before screenshots of her content circulated widely across social media platforms.
Before this, another "lifestyle check" was done by the public, following the vlogs that featured the home and luxury cars of husband and wife contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya, the couple behind a number of construction firms that figured in PBBM's list of 15. They are now being investigated after the Bureau of Customers flagged their collection of 40 luxury cars, with authorities set to check if the vehicles were properly declared, taxed, and imported.
Threads on Reddit and X have also flagged the names of other wealthy individuals with alleged family ties to contractors in the DPWH’s own procurement records, many of whom are said to have showcased luxury content on social media.
Meanwhile, Marcos ordered formal lifestyle checks on government officials on August 27, starting with those in the DPWH. He cited unexplained displays of wealth as red flags.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, agencies such as the Ombudsman, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the DPWH itself will be tasked with carrying out the probes. So far, Marcos has personally inspected 11 flood control projects in Marikina, Iloilo, Bulacan, and Benguet. These inspections were prompted by complaints submitted through sumbongsapangulo.ph, a government platform for reporting failed or questionable flood control projects.
“Sinabi ng Pangulo na hindi ito titigilan at tatapusin niya ito bago siya matapos ng termino,” Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing. “Sasampahan ng kaso ang dapat masampahan ng kaso. Walang sisinuhin, walang malapit sa puso, walang kaalyado. Kung sino man ang involved dito, sasampahan ng kaso.”
Also read: Why Can't Emman Atienza & Friends Spend Their Money As They Want?
Micah believes that writing is always political. Beyond the byline, you’ll find her bruising herself in a pole studio or napping with her beagle. Reach her at micah@spot.ph.