Malacañang on Friday dismissed allegations by former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, stating the claims were false and intended to protect his own interests amid ongoing investigation into the flood control project controversy.
Co had accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of directing him to insert P100 billion into the national budget. He also implicated Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, claiming she conveyed the alleged order during the bicameral conference committee.
At a press briefing on Friday, Nov. 14, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez dismissed Co’s allegations as ‘without basis and fact’.
“Co should come back to the country and put everything he said under oath before the proper judicial authorities,” Gomez said.
Pangandaman, who was present during the briefing, also noted that Co’s claims contain clear inconsistencies. She emphasized that if anyone in position attempted to insert funds on the President’s behalf, it would logically take place during the drafting of the National Expenditure Program and not in the bicameral conference meetings.
“The bicam is purely under the power of the legislature. We respect and strictly follow the budget process, and all our actions are above board,” Pangandaman said.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reportedly delivered the sharpest rebuke, asserting that Co fabricated stories to evade accountability amid the growing number of cases filed against him.
Castro reminded Co that it was Marcos who first exposed the flood control corruption scandal, and stated that Co’s alleged involvement is supported by evidence, witness testimonies, and suspicious accumulations of his wealth.
“Dahil lumiliit ang mundo ni Co, kailangan niyang iiwas ang sarili niya at mag namedrop kahit walang katibayan at puro laway ang puhunan. Para masagip niya sarili niya sa paratang ng pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan at mapalitaw na siya ang biktima. Siya ay magtatahi ng maling kwento laban sa ibang tao,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, Castro said that if Co was being serious, he would have returned to Manila and formally testify under oath. She added that if he feared for his life due to alleged threats, he should provide proof of such claims.
When asked whether she believed someone was behind Co’s statements against Marcos, Castro avoided giving the direct answer.
“Do I have anyone in mind? It’s hard to say, but maybe you can think for yourselves who might be behind this—obstructionists, destabilizers, or perhaps Zaldy Co simply has a very narrow view of the world,” Castro said.
Co had accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of directing him to insert P100 billion into the national budget. He also implicated Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, claiming she conveyed the alleged order during the bicameral conference committee.
At a press briefing on Friday, Nov. 14, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez dismissed Co’s allegations as ‘without basis and fact’.
“Co should come back to the country and put everything he said under oath before the proper judicial authorities,” Gomez said.
Pangandaman, who was present during the briefing, also noted that Co’s claims contain clear inconsistencies. She emphasized that if anyone in position attempted to insert funds on the President’s behalf, it would logically take place during the drafting of the National Expenditure Program and not in the bicameral conference meetings.
“The bicam is purely under the power of the legislature. We respect and strictly follow the budget process, and all our actions are above board,” Pangandaman said.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reportedly delivered the sharpest rebuke, asserting that Co fabricated stories to evade accountability amid the growing number of cases filed against him.
Castro reminded Co that it was Marcos who first exposed the flood control corruption scandal, and stated that Co’s alleged involvement is supported by evidence, witness testimonies, and suspicious accumulations of his wealth.
“Dahil lumiliit ang mundo ni Co, kailangan niyang iiwas ang sarili niya at mag namedrop kahit walang katibayan at puro laway ang puhunan. Para masagip niya sarili niya sa paratang ng pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan at mapalitaw na siya ang biktima. Siya ay magtatahi ng maling kwento laban sa ibang tao,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, Castro said that if Co was being serious, he would have returned to Manila and formally testify under oath. She added that if he feared for his life due to alleged threats, he should provide proof of such claims.
When asked whether she believed someone was behind Co’s statements against Marcos, Castro avoided giving the direct answer.
“Do I have anyone in mind? It’s hard to say, but maybe you can think for yourselves who might be behind this—obstructionists, destabilizers, or perhaps Zaldy Co simply has a very narrow view of the world,” Castro said.
J
Written by Jasmine Danica Batoctoy, Insight PH
Jasmine Danica Batoctoy, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
