MANILA — In a dramatic turn in the ongoing flood control funding controversy, former Ako Bicol congressman Zaldy Co on Nov. 14 released a video accusing Budget Secretary Amenah “Ana” Pangandaman, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of orchestrating a ₱100-billion insertion into the 2025 national budget.
In his nearly five-minute video statement, Co claims that during the bicameral conference committee (BICAM) process in 2024, Pangandaman told him that she and Marcos had just met and that he was “instructed” to insert ₱100 billion worth of projects into the budget. Co says he was then told to confirm the directive with Bersamin, who allegedly verified that the instruction came directly from the President.
Co further alleged that a meeting was held in a Malacañang building, attended by Pangandaman, Bersamin, Romualdez, and Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz. During that gathering, Co asserts that Bersamin handed him a list of projects totaling ₱100 billion—days later confirming the origin of these project items “came from PBBM himself” via a brown leather bag.
He also recalled questioning why such a large insertion would go to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), warning that it would surpass the budget for education. According to Co, he proposed reducing it to ₱50 billion and placing the rest under “unprogrammed funds,” which reportedly fall under the Office of the President.
But he says Pangandaman told him that Marcos refused to scale it down, arguing it was already a firm commitment made by Romualdez.
Malacañang, for its part, has strongly denied Co’s claims. Acting PCO Secretary Dave Gomez labeled the accusations “pure hearsay,” arguing that Co has not provided concrete proof.
Meanwhile, President Marcos said he would not dignify the allegations, urging Co to return to the country and face the proper judicial process.
As the scandal unfolds, calls are mounting for accountability. Co insists he has “receipts, evidence, and names,” and vows this is only the beginning of his tell-all.| – BNN Integrated News
