Manila, Philippines – Davao 1st District representatives Paolo “Pulong” Duterte decribed ex-rep. Zaldy Co’s allegations about the P100-billion insertion in the 2025 General appropriations Act (GAA) as disturbing disclosures.
And in the name of transparency, Duterte is now seeking a House investigation over these allegations that implicated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte filed before the House of Representative Resolution No. 488 requesting an urgent and comprehensive inquiry regarding the accusations.
Duterte noted that Co’s implication that Marcos ordered the P100-billion insertion is also an issue of possible “undue influence” on the legislative budget process.
Among the allegations are Marcos’ demand for a 25% kickback form the insertions, as well as the luggages of money said to be delivered to the President and to Romualdez.
The Davao Rep. argued that if proven, these are extraordinary serious violations on the law and a betrayal of public trust.
He added that the list of projects and contractors under the P100 billion insertion, released by Co, should also undergo deep investigation.
With this, Duterte asks the Lower Chamber to not overlook the “sheer scale and details” of Co’s allegations as this is also a matter of transparency and separation of powers among the branches of the government.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News