Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto minced no words in saying he does not believe Senate President Chiz Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez were unaware of the alleged “miracles” in the 2025 national budget, particularly the now highly controversial allocations for flood control projects.
In an interview with journalist Christian Esguerra, Sotto said his conclusion comes from his own experience as Senate President from 2018 to 2022.
“Hindi maaaring hindi nila alam. Ikinalulungkot ko na ‘yun yung opinyon ko, hindi maaaring hindi nila malaman,” Sotto stressed.
The veteran lawmaker said he has a strong hunch that both Escudero and Romualdez knew exactly which senators and House members inserted questionable provisions into the budget.
“Nalaman nila ‘yan, sigurado. At malamang alam din nila kung sino mga naglagay at nagpabukol,” he added.
When asked why Escudero and Romualdez have yet to speak up on the controversy, Sotto urged the media to press them directly.
“Siguro dapat tanungin nyo (referring to media) dahil wala tayong naririnig na eksplanasyon eh,” Sotto said.
According to him, the responsibility for the 2025 budget mess rests squarely on Escudero and Romualdez.