Negros Occidental — November 15, 2025
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. refused to comment further on the accusations made by former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co regarding an alleged ₱100-billion insertion in the proposed 2025 national budget.
During his visit on Saturday to areas in Negros Occidental affected by recent typhoons, the President was asked about Co’s claims. Marcos briefly responded, “I don’t want to even dignify what he was saying.”
Co previously released a video on Friday alleging that the President personally ordered the inclusion of ₱100 billion worth of projects during the bicameral conference committee deliberations.
In a second video published on Saturday, Co presented photos of suitcases supposedly filled with cash, claiming that he, along with his staff and security personnel, delivered the money to the homes of President Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He further alleged that the President received a 25% share—amounting to ₱25 billion—from the supposed insertions.
The Palace has since dismissed Co’s statements. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez earlier refuted Co’s claims, calling them baseless and speculative. Gomez reiterated that Malacañang is challenging Co to return to the Philippines, formally sign and swear to his statements, and directly face any investigation into his allegations.
Despite mounting controversy, President Marcos opted to maintain his focus on relief and recovery efforts in Negros Occidental, declining to engage further with Co’s accusations.