MANILA – A burgeoning political controversy, described by some observers as potentially the most significant challenge to the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., continues to escalate following explosive allegations made by a former lawmaker regarding anomalous budget insertions.
The core of the scandal centers on claims made public on Friday, November 14, 2025, by Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, the former Ako Bicol representative. Co has publicly accused President Marcos Jr. of directly ordering the insertion of approximately PHP 100 billion in questionable allocations into the 2025 national budget, allegedly connected to public works projects.
Whistleblower Remains Outside Jurisdiction
The situation has taken a critical turn as Co has reportedly remained outside the Philippines following the release of his damning statements. This has prompted strong reactions from religious and civic groups urging him to return to formally present his evidence under oath.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through its president, Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, issued a statement on Saturday, November 15, cautioning against the political exploitation of the allegations while stressing the need for clarity. David called on all involved parties to approach the matter with "honesty, courage, and responsibility," emphasizing that Co must validate his claims by returning to the country, presenting evidence, and filing formal charges through appropriate legal channels.
A civic organization, the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), echoed this sentiment, stating that the strongest venue for truth is "under oath, not overseas."
Allegations of Obstruction of Justice
Adding further gravity to the unfolding drama, Co also alleged that he was instructed by the then-House Speaker, Martin Romualdez—who is also the President’s cousin—to leave the country and maintain silence once the scheme collapsed under public scrutiny. If substantiated, this specific claim constitutes a serious accusation of obstruction of justice, a criminal offense that demands immediate investigation.
Co has indicated that he is armed with "receipts, documents and project lists" to back his narrative, suggesting a well-documented basis for his explosive declarations.
Government Defense and Economic Fallout
Officials within the administration have moved to defend the President and counter the narrative presented by Co. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon pointed to the President’s prior actions, noting that Marcos Jr. had initiated the probe into the flood-control issues and ordered the creation of an Independent Commission for Infrastructure. Dizon argued that forming an independent commission is inconsistent with the allegation that the President was involved in protecting the anomalies. Furthermore, some reports suggest evidence exists contradicting Co's timeline, citing the President’s veto of PHP 194 billion in budget items, which supporters claim demonstrates a commitment to curbing questionable spending.
Beyond the immediate political implications, analysts are warning of severe economic consequences. The Philippine economy was already reportedly facing headwinds, with slowing growth and declining investor confidence. This large-scale corruption allegation, particularly one implicating the head of state in tampering with the national budget, is feared to further destabilize the financial climate and deter foreign investment.
The international political sphere is closely monitoring the situation, as such high-profile governance crises often test a nation's commitment to anti-corruption efforts and the rule of law. For the moment, the focus remains on whether Co will return to face cross-examination and present the evidence that has shaken the capital, determining the next phase of this significant political controversy.