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Ex-Rep Accuses Marcos of PHP100 Billion Budget Manipulation

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of inserting PHP100 billion into the 2025 national budget.
On November 14, Co claimed that Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman informed him of this directive during bicameral conference committee deliberations.
Co alleged he faced pressure to comply despite concerns about the Department of Public Works and Highways budget exceeding that of the Department of Education.
He also stated he was urged to remain abroad to avoid being silenced and labeled a scapegoat in an anti-corruption campaign.
Malacañang has not yet responded to Co's allegations.

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Story summary

Former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of inserting PHP100 billion into the 2025 national budget.
On November 14, Co claimed that Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman informed him of this directive during bicameral conference committee deliberations.
Co alleged he faced pressure to comply despite concerns about the Department of Public Works and Highways budget exceeding that of the Department of Education.
He also stated he was urged to remain abroad to avoid being silenced and labeled a scapegoat in an anti-corruption campaign.
Malacañang has not yet responded to Co's allegations.