Resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co has released Part 2 of a supposed tell-all video, alleging that President Bongbong Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez approved and benefited from ₱100 billion in budget insertions in the 2025 national budget.
In a Facebook post, Co claimed that he repeatedly informed the Speaker about the instructions related to the budget changes. According to him, Romualdez once told him, “Wala tayong magagawa,” which he took as a sign that the adjustments were known and accepted by top officials.
Co also questioned the President’s recent public statements distancing himself from the budget, saying all reductions and additions requested by government agencies required the President’s explicit approval. He said Budget Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman had assured him and Sen. Chiz Escudero during the bicameral conference that “everything is clear with the President” and that Marcos had approved all changes.
Co alleged that President Marcos was “happy” once the ₱100 billion insertion was secured.
He denied receiving any money, claiming all inserted funds went to the President and former Speaker Romualdez. Co said his team delivered the money to Marcos’ and Romualdez’s residences in North Forbes Park, South Forbes Park, and Malacañang.
He said his team kept records of the deliveries, echoing earlier statements made by Orly Guteza, whom he confirmed had also delivered money to Forbes Park and Malacañang. Co said he will release delivery photos — including dates and cash-out details — alongside the video, featuring images of the suitcases allegedly used in the transactions.
Co further alleged that after the approval of the 2025 General Appropriations Act, he asked DPWH officials how much needed to be turned over to the Office of the President as the “SOP.” He claimed he was told 25 percent — amounting to ₱25 billion — was supposedly intended for President Marcos.
Co publicly challenged Ombudsman Boying Remulla to investigate Marcos if he is serious about probing irregularities involving Speaker Romualdez. He also urged the Senate to investigate what he described as the President’s “hundred billion insertion.”
While Co expressed doubt that the Ombudsman would act on his claims, he said he believes the Senate is more capable of uncovering the truth through its own inquiry.
