Sammy Co: Political Career and Controversies in Pagadian City

Overview

Samuel "Sammy" Sy Co is a Filipino businessman and politician who currently serves as the incumbent Mayor of Pagadian City. Born in 1966, Co represents a prominent political figure in Zamboanga del Sur, a province located in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. He is affiliated with the Liberal Party, which acts as his primary governing body and political operator. His career is characterized by a blend of commercial enterprise and public service, establishing him as a key local chief executive in one of Mindanao's major urban centers.

Co's political trajectory in Pagadian City is marked by significant electoral victories and long-term administrative leadership. He first secured the mayoralty position on June 30, 2004, succeeding Henry Dogon. This initial victory launched a period of sustained influence, as he won reelection in both 2007 and 2010, thereby completing his second and third terms of office. His political dominance was particularly evident in the 2010 election, where he received 60,452 votes, representing 93.99% of the entire local voting population. In contrast, his opponent, Crisostomo T. Lagare of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, secured only 3,863 votes, or 6.01% of the total. This margin highlighted the strong local support Co commanded during that period.

Following his initial three terms, Co continued to be a central figure in the city's governance. During the 2019 elections, he successfully regained the position of Local Chief Executive by defeating his opponent, Pulmones, by a margin of almost 15,000 votes. This victory demonstrated his enduring political resilience and ability to reconnect with the electorate. Throughout his tenure, Co has also served as a city councilor for three terms, providing him with comprehensive experience in both legislative and executive branches of the local government. His background includes Chinese descent, reflecting the diverse ethnic composition of the business and political elite in Mindanao. As an active politician, Co remains a defining figure in the administrative history of Pagadian City.

Early Political Career and Mayoral Tenure

Samuel "Sammy" Sy Co’s political trajectory in Pagadian City is defined by a transition from legislative service to executive leadership, beginning with his tenure as a city councilor. He served three consecutive terms on the city council, establishing a local political base before ascending to the mayoralty. His rise to the position of Local Chief Executive marked a significant shift in the city’s governance structure, succeeding Henry Dogon in a competitive local political landscape.

Initial Mayoral Elections and Reelections

Co first secured the mayoral position of Pagadian City on June 30, 2004. This initial victory established his authority as the incumbent mayor, taking over the executive role from predecessor Henry Dogon. He consolidated his hold on the office through successful reelection campaigns in both 2007 and 2010. These consecutive wins awarded him his second and third terms of office, demonstrating sustained voter confidence in his leadership during that period.

The 2010 election results highlighted the strength of Co’s political support in Zamboanga del Sur. In that contest, Co received 60,452 votes, capturing 93.99% of the entire local voting population. His primary opponent, Crisostomo T. Lagare, representing the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino party, secured only 3,863 votes, which accounted for 6.01% of the total ballots cast. This decisive margin underscored Co’s dominance in the local electorate during his third term.

Return to Office in 2019

Following his initial three terms, Co continued to remain a central figure in Pagadian City’s political scene. During the 2019 elections, he successfully regained the position of Local Chief Executive. In that election cycle, Co handily defeated his rival, Pulmones, by a margin of almost 15,000 votes. This victory reaffirmed his status as a key political operator in the city, maintaining his active role in the administration of Pagadian City under the Liberal Party affiliation.

Infrastructure and Development Initiatives

During his tenure, Mayor Samuel "Sammy" Sy Co prioritized infrastructure projects designed to enhance Pagadian City’s regional connectivity and commercial landscape. A significant focus was placed on the rehabilitation of the Pagadian City Domestic Airport, located in the Muricay area. These improvements were aimed at modernizing the facility to better serve regional air travel needs. The airport operates as a key aviation hub in the Zamboanga Peninsula, with commercial services provided by major carriers such as Cebu Pacific and AirPhil Express. The rehabilitation efforts sought to streamline passenger experience and increase the airport’s capacity to handle growing traffic from both local residents and business travelers in Mindanao.

Commercial Development and the C3 Mall

Under Co’s administration, Pagadian City also saw the establishment of the City Commercial Center Mall, widely known as the C3 Mall. This development holds a distinct place in Philippine retail history as the country’s first government-owned mall. The creation of the C3 Mall represented a strategic shift in local economic planning, utilizing public assets to stimulate commercial activity and provide a centralized shopping destination for the populace. This initiative reflected the administration’s broader goal of integrating public infrastructure with private sector dynamics to boost local revenue and consumer convenience.

Regional Administrative Shifts

A major administrative achievement during Co’s second term was the transfer of several regional offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City. This strategic move was approved by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in November 2004. The decision was grounded in Executive Order No. 429, issued in 1990, which outlined the criteria for designating regional centers in Mindanao. The relocation of these government bodies significantly elevated Pagadian City’s status as a primary administrative and business hub in the Zamboanga Peninsula, drawing more civil servants and businesses to the city. This shift underscored the city’s growing importance in the regional governance structure of the Philippines.

The Regional Center Dispute with Zamboanga City

The status of Pagadian City as the regional center of Zamboanga Peninsula has been a subject of prolonged administrative and political contention with Zamboanga City. This dispute centered on the relocation of regional government offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian, a process initiated through executive action. The conflict involved multiple memoranda, departmental exemptions, and legislative votes that spanned over a decade, reflecting the complex interplay between local governance and national executive authority.

Initial Relocation and Departmental Exemptions

The movement of the regional capital began with Memorandum Circular No. 75 s. 2004, issued by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration. This directive was signed by Eduardo Ermita, the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Performance, and formally ordered the transfer of the regional offices to Pagadian City. However, the relocation was not immediate or total. Certain key departments were exempted from the initial move, including the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Tourism. These exemptions created a fragmented administrative landscape where some regional functions operated in Pagadian while others remained in Zamboanga City, leading to logistical challenges and ongoing debates about the efficacy of the split arrangement.

The 2010 Halt and Regional Council Vote

After several years of partial implementation, the relocation process was effectively stalled by Memorandum Circular No. 11 s. 2010. Issued by Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., this memorandum halted the transfer of regional offices, citing various administrative and financial considerations. The halt maintained the status quo, with many regional functions continuing to operate out of Zamboanga City. This decision was further reinforced by a vote from the Regional Development Council (RDC) in 2011. The RDC voted 26–4 in favor of retaining Zamboanga City as the regional center, reflecting the strong support from local stakeholders and government units in the city. This vote added significant political weight to the argument against full relocation to Pagadian.

Lifting the Halt in 2020

The long-standing halt on the relocation was finally lifted in 2020, fifteen years after the initial directive. President Rodrigo Duterte signed Memorandum Circular No. 79, which officially resumed the process of moving the regional offices to Pagadian City. This decision marked a significant shift in the administrative landscape of the Zamboanga Peninsula, acknowledging Pagadian’s growing infrastructure and strategic location. The lifting of the halt allowed for the gradual consolidation of regional government functions in Pagadian, although the full implementation of the relocation continued to face logistical and financial hurdles. The dispute over the regional center status thus entered a new phase, with Pagadian City positioned to assume a more prominent role in the regional governance structure.

Aman Futures Scandal and Legal Challenges

Samuel "Sammy" Sy Co faced significant legal and political scrutiny during the Aman Futures scandal, a major financial crisis involving an estimated PHP 12 billion ($2,940,000,000) and affecting approximately 15,000 investors. Governor Antonio Cerilles publicly implicated Co in the controversy, leading to intense media coverage and political maneuvering. Co defended himself against the allegations, characterizing the accusations as a calculated "character assassination" aimed at undermining his political standing.

DOJ Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The Department of Justice (DOJ) played a central role in the investigation, eventually finding Co to be an agent of Aman Futures. This legal designation was a critical development in the case, linking Co directly to the financial entity. The business permit of Aman Futures was subsequently revoked, marking a significant step in the regulatory response to the scam. The preliminary investigation into the scandal began in December 2012, with key affidavits submitted on December 17 and December 27. These documents provided essential evidence for the ongoing legal proceedings.

Arrest Order and Political Context

In December 2013, an arrest order was issued for Co, which was executed in Bonifacio Global City. This event drew considerable public attention and support for Co, with many viewing the legal action as politically motivated. Rival Governor Cerilles was seen by Co's supporters as the primary architect of the political attack, further polarizing the local political landscape. The scandal and subsequent legal challenges had a profound impact on Co's political career, testing his resilience and public support in Pagadian City.

Congressional Bid and Personal Life

Samuel "Sammy" Sy Co has maintained a prominent role in the political landscape of Zamboanga del Sur, aligning his career with the Liberal Party. His political trajectory includes a significant bid for the congressional seat representing the first district of Zamboanga del Sur. In this electoral contest, Co faced off against Victor Yu. Despite his established presence in local governance, Co was defeated by Yu in the race for the House of Representatives, marking a notable chapter in his legislative ambitions within the region.

Family dynamics have also played a crucial role in the political narrative of the Co household. Co's wife, Priscilla "Ilang-Ilang" Co, has been an active figure in local politics. She faced a competitive election against Romeo Pulmones. In that particular contest, Priscilla Co experienced a loss to Pulmones, highlighting the fluctuating nature of electoral outcomes for the family in Pagadian City. These political engagements underscore the deep involvement of the Co family in the civic life of the municipality.

Beyond his public service, Co has built a diverse business portfolio that contributes to the commercial vibrancy of Pagadian City. His enterprises include Café Ilang-Ilang, a local establishment that bears the name of his wife. He also operates franchises of major Philippine food service brands, including Jollibee and Greenwich Pizza. Additionally, his business interests extend to Bo's Coffee, further cementing his presence in the local hospitality and dining sectors. These ventures reflect a strategic approach to business development within the urban center.

Co's personal life is anchored by his immediate family, which includes three children. His offspring are Lance Samuel F. Co, Sam Tyra F. Co, and Samantha Illanz F. Co. The names of his children, particularly Samantha Illanz, reflect the personal significance of his wife's nickname, "Ilang-Ilang," within the family structure. This familial connection is evident in both the naming conventions and the broader social identity of the Co household in the community.

References

#Philippine Politics #Zamboanga del Sur #Sammy Co #Pagadian City #Aman Futures