Former congressman Zaldy Co revealed that he was told to add ₱100 billion worth of projects into the 2025 national budget. He said the orders came from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Most of the money was for flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways, while the rest went to other government offices. Co claimed he was pressured to stay abroad and later realized he was being used as a scapegoat. He expressed fear for his life but promised to show proof of his claims.
Lawmakers like Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Rep. Leila de Lima said his words will only matter if he returns to the Philippines and speaks under oath. Officials from the Department of Budget and Management dismissed his statements as hearsay.