Codeigniter form validation in config depends on another input

I'm using Codeigniter form validation by config (not setting rules manually). What I need, is setting required rule depending on the other field. For example, Imagine we have the following rules:

Code:

'user' => array(
   array(
       'field' => 'user[phone]',
       'rules' => 'required'
   ),
   array(
       'field' => 'user[email]',
   ),
   array(
       'field' => 'user[foo]',
       //'rules' => 'required'
   )
),

foo input must be required based on email field.
Note: It can be done with callback or anonymous function, but it makes it a bit difficult in big applications. Any idea?

Extend Form_validation with your own MY_Form_validation

You can then place your own rule methods in this file and set the rule as you would set any other rule.