Former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co has made explosive allegations regarding the 2025 national budget, claiming that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. personally knew about and directed the insertion of P100 billion worth of projects.
Presidential Directive on Budget Insertions
In revelations made on November 14, 2025, Co asserted that the command came from the highest office—directly from the President's office—indicating that the budget insertions were not accidental or technical changes but deliberate actions. The former congressman's statements raise serious questions about the integrity of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) process if his claims against the administration prove true.
According to Co's disclosure, other officials were also involved in implementing what was described as the desire of the nation's highest leader. The principle of "What the President wants, he gets" appears to have been operationalized, making the presidential wish something that cannot be refused or questioned.
Broader Implications for Budget Integrity
Co's statements go beyond personal defense; they represent a cry that there is something systematically wrong that needs investigation. The public has the right to know whether national funds are being allocated through fair consultation and technical identification or being used to increase the control of a few officials.
The integrity of the budget is the integrity of the government. If this is broken, those who suffer are not the ones signing the papers, but the people who pay taxes and hope for genuine leadership. This issue deserves clarity and resolution.
Official Denial and Counter Allegations
Malacañang Palace has issued a statement rejecting these allegations. The response instead turned toward Co, portraying him as desperate and merely making random accusations while trying to shift his involvement in anomalies to the president.
The fundamental question remains: Who is telling the truth? With the administration firmly denying the claims and Co standing by his revelations, the Philippine public is left to ponder the authenticity of these serious budget manipulation allegations.
