Manila, Philippines — November 14, 2025
Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco recounted a tense moment between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, describing how the President allegedly reprimanded his cousin over supposed irregular dealings involving government funds.
In an interview on One News’ “Storycon” on Friday, Tiangco shared that the incident took place on November 24, 2024. According to him, Romualdez was in Tacloban when he received a phone call from the President urgently summoning him to Manila.
Upon arriving at Bahay Pangulo, Tiangco said they were escorted into a private study where President Marcos confronted Romualdez.
“Pag-upong pag-upo namin doon, galit na galit siya… Ang sabi niya: ‘Kayong dalawa ni Zaldy, kuha kayo nang kuha ng pera sa Executive. Wala na akong nagagawa diyan at kung ano man ‘yung ginagawa niyong kalokohan, wala akong kinalaman diyan. Wala akong natatanggap diyan,’” Tiangco recalled.
Tiangco admitted feeling uneasy during the exchange, questioning why he had been included in the meeting.
“Nanliliit nga ako… Iniisip ko sa loob ko, kung papagalitan lang ‘to bakit sinama pa ako? ‘Di ba dapat silang dalawa lang mag-usap?” he said.
The revelation comes as allegations involving flood control project anomalies continue to stir political tensions, with several lawmakers and officials trading accusations.