The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has warned against the 'political exploitation' of allegations by former representative Zaldy Co regarding budget corruption. The CBCP calls for due process and urges Co to return to the country to file formal charges. This comes amid claims linking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to P100 billion in budget insertions.
In a statement, CBCP president and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said truth, justice, and due process must prevail amid the serious allegations by Zaldy Co. Co claimed that President Marcos ordered the insertion of P100 billion worth of projects into the 2025 national budget during the bicameral conference committee last year. He stated that House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin all had direct knowledge of the controversial insertions.
In his video statement, Co recounted that Pangandaman informed him at the start of the 2024 bicam process that after their meeting with the President, there was an instruction to insert P100 billion. She directed him to confirm with Bersamin, who affirmed that Marcos issued the order. Afterward, Co reported it to Romualdez, who replied: 'What the President wants, he gets.' A few days later, Pangandaman and Bersamin arranged a meeting with Co and Romualdez at the Aguado building near Malacañang, with Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz present, according to Co.
"If his accusations are indeed credible and substantial, we urge him to return to the country and file his charges before the proper authorities, under oath and supported by verifiable evidence," David said. He emphasized that social media declarations are insufficient; formal testimony in legal venues is required. He also cautioned against political exploitation of these claims, especially during sensitive periods that may inflame public sentiment or influence political outcomes.
Additionally, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy issued a pastoral appeal, calling for a thorough, democratic, and impartial investigation. "No whitewashing. No cover-ups. No protection for anyone involved," he said. He urged the public to be discerning with information and avoid spreading unverified news.
Meanwhile, SWS surveys show 83 percent of Filipinos believe corruption is most widespread at the national level, with 73 percent identifying senior officials as among the most corrupt. Democracy Watch Philippines calls for reforms to restore public trust.