House Leader Welcomes Probe Amid Corruption Allegations
House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos has publicly declared his readiness to face investigation by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI). This development comes after former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co implicated him in alleged budget insertions spanning the past three years.
In a formal letter addressed to ICI chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. dated November 27, Marcos expressed his complete willingness to participate in the commission's ongoing probe into questionable flood control projects. The eldest son of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated his position clearly and without reservation.
Marcos's Official Response to Allegations
"Let me state this clearly and without hesitation: I am willing to appear before the commission at any time. I welcome the opportunity to shed light on any matter that may assist your review," Marcos affirmed in his correspondence.
He further emphasized his commitment to full cooperation, adding: "I stand ready to cooperate, answer questions, and provide any clarification needed to move this investigation forward."
The Origins of the Controversy
The investigation was triggered by video statements uploaded by Co on Tuesday, November 25. In these recordings, Co made serious allegations against the younger Marcos, claiming he had inserted at least P50 billion worth of public works projects into the national budgets for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Congressman Marcos has vehemently denied these accusations, describing Co's claims as "fantastical" and "false." He characterized Co as the "newly crowned champion of the DDS (diehard Duterte supporters)," suggesting political motivations behind the allegations.
Background of the Accuser
Zaldy Co currently faces legal challenges of his own. The Sandiganbayan has issued an arrest warrant for Co along with 15 Department of Public Works and Highways officials and Sunwest Corporation board members. These warrants relate to irregularities in implementing a P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.
Sunwest Corporation, which Co co-founded, ranks among the top 15 construction firms in the Philippines. The company secured approximately 20 percent of the country's flood control projects from 2022 to 2025, equivalent to P100 billion worth of contracts.
Despite the ongoing government investigations into flood control anomalies, Co has refused to return to the Philippines. He claims there are imminent threats against his life and the safety of his family members.
Through a series of video statements on his social media accounts, Co has repeatedly denied involvement in flood control project irregularities. Instead, he has pointed fingers at President Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, alleging they masterminded corruption activities that allegedly diverted billions of pesos in public funds.
