Defensor urges probe into Co’s budget claims

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor is calling for a full investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects following serious accusations made by former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.

Co recently released two videos on social media claiming that PHP100 billion in insertions in the proposed 2025 national budget were ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In his second video, Co alleged that the entire PHP100 billion went to Marcos and Romualdez and that the President supposedly received PHP25 billion as an SOP delivered in suitcases to his residence in the Malacañang compound.

When interviewed in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, Marcos dismissed Co’s accusations.

“I don’t want to even dignify what he is saying,” he said, declining further comment on whether he ordered the budget insertions.

The Presidential Communications Office also rejected Co’s claims, with Acting Secretary Dave Gomez describing them as “a bunch of hearsay” and noting that Co merely repeated unverified statements.

Defensor said Co’s allegations cannot be taken lightly, especially given his former position in Congress.

“The allegations made by Zaldy Co are extremely serious and must not be ignored. These should be taken seriously and brought to investigation because he served as the chairman of the Appropriations Committee in Congress,” he said on Nov. 17.

He said the government and the individuals implicated must clearly address the claims.

“The government and those he has accused must answer these claims because this is plunder of the highest order. There must be a thorough investigation, and all those involved should be jailed,” he said.

He said misuse of public funds directly affects communities, particularly those vulnerable to flooding.

In a related development, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure said it cannot comment on the truth of Co’s allegations against Marcos, with spokesperson Brian Hosaka saying the claims remain unverified.

The Department of Justice said the accusations are still under review, with Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon telling GMA News Online that Co’s statements are being assessed for authenticity since they were not made under oath.

Co, who is himself under investigation for alleged involvement in flood control anomalies, has not yet returned to the Philippines, saying he fears for his safety.