Manila (November 15, 2025) -Malacañang strongly pushed back against accusations made by former party-list representative and former House Appropriations Committee chair Zaldy Co, who recently claimed that irregular budget insertions were made in the proposed 2025 national budget.
Presidential Press Officer Claire Castro condemned Co’s statements, calling them false and politically motivated. “The claims made by Zaldy Co are lies and propaganda,” Castro said, stressing that his allegations further “add to his accountability to the Filipino people.”
Castro said Co’s own remarks appear to reveal his involvement in the very acts he is accusing others of. “He has openly admitted to making insertions in the 2025 budget. He can no longer deny his role in placing these insertions for personal gain,” she asserted.
According to Castro, the former lawmaker’s video statements show inconsistencies and fabricated narratives. She emphasized the need for a formal investigation to determine the source and intent behind his accusations. “Given the contradictions in his claims, a thorough probe is necessary to uncover the truth,” she added.
Castro also challenged Co to prove his claim that he never benefited financially from the budget insertions he controlled. “If he insists that he did not pocket anything, he should substantiate it—especially amid questions surrounding his accumulated wealth,” she said.
The Palace reiterated that it remains committed to ensuring transparency in the budget process and urged the public to be cautious of misinformation that may undermine government institutions.