Manila, Philippines — November 19, 2025
The Office of the Ombudsman confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is now among those being scrutinized in its ongoing investigation into alleged corruption linked to flood control projects.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the agency will examine all individuals named by former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, who recently aired his accusations through several online video posts.
Co also alleged the involvement of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, resigned Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and former PLLO Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin.
Remulla stated that the Ombudsman has already initiated a motu proprio investigation to independently assess Co’s claims, adding that the President and the other officials named will not be exempted from review.
Despite this, Remulla expressed doubt over the allegation that President Marcos Jr. benefited from the supposed multibillion-peso “budget insertions,” describing such a claim as “illogical” given the current information.
The Ombudsman also urged Co to return to the Philippines to formally swear to his statements, especially since his accusations implicate even the sitting Chief Executive.
Regarding possible charges that could be filed against the President—such as gross negligence—Remulla said it is too early to discuss such matters while the investigation remains underway.
Meanwhile, the cases previously filed against Zaldy Co and several others—malversation, graft, and conflict of interest—were raffled to different divisions of the Sandiganbayan on November 19.
In the results of the special raffle, the graft case under Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) was assigned to the Fifth Division. The malversation case went to the Sixth Division, while the Seventh Division will handle the conflict-of-interest graft case involving Co.