Who Is Ellis Co, the Fashion Designer Facing Scrutiny Over His Father's Alleged Corruption?

Ellis Co, fashion designer and son of Congressman Zaldy Co, has come under scrutiny following allegations that his father was involved in a kickback scheme linked to government flood control projects. Known for his label .ARCHIVES and creative work in music, the 24-year-old designer now faces questions about his independence from his family’s business and political influence.

In 2022, Ellis co-founded the label .ARCHIVES with Reika Mayani, describing it as “future-oriented conceptwear.” The brand has staged shows in Manila, Paris, and Tokyo, and is stocked in select retailers in Paris and Kuala Lumpur. At 22, he presented the 2023 resort collection Phases/Faces at Misibis Bay Resort, a property owned by his father’s company.

Prior to .ARCHIVES, Ellis ran a smaller streetwear label called INSTNT, heavily influenced by designers such as Virgil Abloh, Rick Owens, and Yohji Yamamoto. Alongside fashion, he has pursued music, releasing rap tracks like “Black Lexus” and “R.B.C.N. (Revenue Big Cost None).”

As the controversy surrounding his father grew, Ellis posted a lengthy statement on Instagram. He opened by expressing sympathy for those who protested corruption, saying he stood “on their side.” He admitted that while he carried his family name and privilege, he had tried to carve out his own path, claiming to have moved out of his parents’ home, declined political opportunities, and worked since he was 16.

Ellis stressed that he condemned corruption “in all its forms,” acknowledged feeling “deeply ashamed,” and urged his father to “appear before the people and be accountable once and for all.” He added, “I am not just speaking out against a politician; I am speaking out against my father. And if this decision gets me disowned, I would rather face that consequence than watch millions of people suffer from his actions.”

He also addressed .ARCHIVES directly, clarifying how its shows had been funded. While he admitted his mother, Mylene Co, invested in the brand, he described it as a loan and said much of the revenue went to supporting other designers, paying collaborators fairly, and providing grants to local creatives. “.ARCHIVES was never just about me,” he wrote, describing a team of tailors, staff, and designers behind the label. He framed the brand as a vehicle to “uplift artists, support our tailors, and work with integrity.”

Ellis acknowledged missteps, wishing he had discerned things better in hindsight, but emphasized that his mission remained to “open doors so other less fortunate, talented, gifted Filipino designers and creatives can walk through it.” He also appealed for the harassment of collaborators to stop, condemned misinformation being spread online, and ended by urging his father: “Come home and answer to the people. Have your time in court.”

His fellow designers, creatives, and personalities have also spoken up in response to his post. Among them were stylist Lyn Alumno, designer RJ Santos of Randolf, actress Lauren Young, actor Albie Casiño, DJ Vernard Tan, content creators AC Soriano, Gaia Poly, and Jeline Catt-Juan, who left pointed comments in his replies.

Others tied their criticism more directly to Ellis’s position and claims. Model Cath Ibay recalled waiting nearly two hours at his July 2023 show because “we were waiting for his FATHER (ZALDY CO).” Designer Antonina Amoncio asked how a 21-year-old could be listed as chairperson and CEO of Misibis Bay Aviation and Development Corp. Meanwhile, Rappler reporter Dwight Angelo cited corporate filings, pointing out that Ellis was a shareholder in Misibis Land and Embarcadero— sister companies of Sunwest Construction—and pressed him on how involved he was in the operations of the family empire.

Zaldy Co’s whereabouts remain uncertain after leaving the country for medical treatment. He faces accusations of involvement in alleged kickback schemes within flood control projects, with former Department of Public Works and Highways officials testifying that they delivered money directly to him.