House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos made a significant appearance before the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The hearing is part of the commission's ongoing investigation into allegedly anomalous flood control projects across the country.
Voluntary Submission and Executive Session
In a statement to reporters, Congressman Marcos, the eldest son of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., emphasized that his appearance was voluntary. He stated he is ready to assist the ICI in its probe. "I'm willing to give and tell the ICI anything that I might know that may further the investigation," Marcos declared. The lawmaker requested and was granted an executive session, allowing for a private discussion with the commission members.
Allegations of P50 Billion Budget Insertions
The probe gained intensity following claims made by former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co. In a video statement released on November 25, Co alleged that Congressman Marcos had inserted at least P50 billion worth of public works projects into the national budgets for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Marcos swiftly dismissed these accusations, labeling Co's claims as "fantastical" and "false." He further described Co as the "newly crowned champion of the DDS (diehard Duterte supporters)."
The Central Figure: Zaldy Co and Sunwest Corporation
Zaldy Co is a central figure in the government's wider investigation into flood control anomalies. The Sandiganbayan has issued a warrant for his arrest, along with 15 officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways and board members of Sunwest Corporation. This is concerning irregularities in a P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.
Co co-founded Sunwest Corporation, which ranks among the top 15 construction firms in the Philippines. Data shows that from 2022 to 2025, Sunwest secured approximately 20% of the country's flood control projects, valued at around P100 billion.
Currently abroad in an undisclosed location, Co has refused to return to the Philippines, citing threats to his and his family's safety. Through a series of social media videos, he has denied any wrongdoing in the flood control projects. Instead, he has pointed fingers at President Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, accusing them of being the masterminds behind corruption activities worth billions of public funds.
The ICI hearing marks a critical development in this high-profile investigation, pitting the claims of a fugitive former congressman against the voluntary testimony of the current House Majority Leader. The outcome is anticipated to have significant political and legal repercussions.
