Former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co has accused President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of receiving a ₱25-billion share from an alleged ₱100-billion insertion in the 2025 national budget.
Co said he inquired with the DPWH about the expected “SOP” after the budget’s approval.
“Ang sinagot sa akin ay 25%. Ang ibig sabihin nito, 25% ng ₱100 billion ang kailangan na ibigay kay BBM mismo,” he claimed.
He argued this contradicted the President’s earlier denial of involvement in the realignments.
According to Co, he informed then-House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez about what he described as the “instructions of the President,” but was told, “We can’t do anything.”
He also said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman had cleared the adjustments with Marcos, quoting her: “Everything is cleared with the President. Basta importante, pasok ang pondo na request ng Pangulo.”
Co insisted he never kept any money, saying, “Walang perang napunta sa akin. Lahat ng insertion napunta sa ating Pangulo at Speaker Martin Romualdez.”
He further claimed he and his staff personally delivered the alleged funds to Marcos and Romualdez at “North Forbes Park, South Forbes Park, at Malacañang.”
He said records would confirm the deliveries and cited the earlier testimony of Orly Goteza.
Co also challenged Ombudsman Boying Remulla: “Patunayan niya ngayon ang pronouncement niya… imbestigahan din niya si President Bongbong Marcos.” He likewise urged the Senate to probe the alleged insertion and “25% cut.”
Malacañang rejected the claims as “pure hearsay” and called on Co to return to the Philippines and testify under oath.