Malacañang has dismissed as “complete lies” the allegations made by ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who is implicated in the flood control and infrastructure corruption scandal.
The Palace stressed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself initiated the probe that led to criminal cases, asset freeze orders, and reforms in the DPWH.
PCO Secretary Dave Gomez said Co’s claims are baseless and mere hearsay, challenging him to return to the Philippines and testify under oath.
“These wild accusations are completely without basis in fact. All the charges leveled against the President are pure hearsay,” said Gomez.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also refuted Co’s claim of presidential “insertions” in the 2025 budget, noting the President has no role in the process once the NEP is submitted to Congress.
PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Co is diverting blame amid evidence of alleged kickbacks and a lavish lifestyle.
“Bakit niya pasisimulan ang malalimang pag-iimbestiga, mag-establish ng ICI to investigate the anomalous flood control projects and other infrastructure kung ang Pangulo ay may kinalaman rito. Logic. Hindi ba dapat na iiwasan niya ang issue na ito kung siya mismo ay mapapaso,” she said.IMT
