Former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co broke his silence in a Facebook video, alleging that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the insertion of P100 billion into the national budget during the bicameral talks.
Co said he called former Speaker Martin Romualdez to relay the directive, who allegedly replied, “we cant do anything about it… ang utos ng hari hindi puwedeng mabali.”
He claimed DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman told him the order came directly from Marcos after their 2024 meeting on the bicam negotiations.
Co insisted it was impossible for the President not to know where the funds were going since Pangandaman supposedly sought his approval.
He also said he was blocked from returning to the Philippines after a medical trip and used as a “panakipbutas” to silence him. Co quoted Romualdez telling him: “Stay out of the country. You will be well taken care of as instructed by the President.”
Co said he is ready to release documents, names, and other evidence to back his claims.IMT
