Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson expressed doubts over former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co’s allegation linking President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to an alleged ₱100-billion insertion in the bicameral conference committee (bicam).
In a media interview on Friday, November 14, Lacson questioned why the President would need to make such an insertion through the bicam process.
“I’m not defending the president [but] why would he insert ₱100 billion sa bicam samantalang sa NEP [National Expenditure Program] kaya niyang gawin ‘yon, e?” he said.
“Second, bakit niya vineto?” he added.
Lacson clarified that he was not dismissing Co’s claims outright, but was merely pointing out procedural inconsistencies based on his understanding of the budget system.
“Mayro’n tayong sinasabi na common sense, only because alam ko ‘yong budgeting process, na ‘yong president may complete control over what should be inserted in the NEP. So kung gano’n din naman pala, ba’t pa siya sa bicam magpapa-insert?” Lacson explained.
Co earlier released a video statement on Friday accusing the President of instructing the insertion of ₱100 billion into the 2025 national budget.