A storm is brewing in Congress.
And this time, it’s not about politics alone — it’s about proof.
ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio says he has seen what could be explosive evidence: records of communication that allegedly show President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had direct knowledge of a massive kickback scheme tied to flood control funds.
Not rumors.
Not hearsay.
But documented exchanges.
In a report aired on 24 Oras, Tinio revealed what he described as messages between the President and then-Presidential Legislative Liaison Office chief Adrian Bersamin — messages that, he claims, paint a disturbing picture.
“Communication between the President and Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin… lumalabas talaga na siya yung personal runner, utusan, bagman,” Tinio said.
In plain terms: it appeared Bersamin was acting as a personal courier — a “bagman.”
The Messages That Raise Questions
According to Tinio, the communications span from December 2024 to July 2025.
One message dated March 24, 2025 allegedly shows Bersamin reporting the receipt of an ₱8 billion delivery from former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
The reported reply from the President?
“Complete na po ang 7.122 delivery sa akin… Tapusin ko po computation today.”
Translation: The delivery was completed. The computation would be finished that day.
Then came July 10, 2025.
Tinio claims Bersamin reported a ₱2 billion delivery at the President’s Narra residence in Forbes Park.
The alleged response from Marcos:
“Sasabihan ko si Jun Baris.”
Just days later, the President stood before Congress and said, “Mahiya naman kayo” — Have some shame.
Tinio did not hold back.
“Sino po ang dapat mahiya?” he asked.
Who, indeed, should be ashamed?
“Overwhelming Documentary Evidence”
The impeachment complaint against Marcos — backed by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan — was dismissed after the House justice committee ruled it insufficient in substance.
But Tinio insists the complaint was far from empty.
“The impeachment complaint is backed by overwhelming documentary evidence and sworn testimony,” he said.
He added that Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste holds copies of the alleged communications. Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice has also reportedly seen them.
Erice confirmed this publicly.
“Yes, Leandro showed us the text messages between PBBM and Adrian Bersamin,” he said.
Erice also claimed Bersamin allegedly executed an affidavit in Batangas out of fear of being made a “fall guy.” He further said CCTV footage showed Bersamin arriving at his Taal residence with supposed lawyers.
Tinio’s accusation was blunt:
“May malakas na ebidensya na alam na alam ng Pangulo ang korupsyon, direktang lumahok siya at tumanggap ng kickback mula rito.”
Strong evidence, he said, shows the President knew — and directly participated.
Palace Fires Back
Malacañang swiftly denied the allegations.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed the claims as politically motivated.
“It’s not new to drag the President into controversy by people who want him out of office,” she said. “The allegations are false.”
For now, Leviste urged the public to simply watch and listen to the statements being made.
But outside Congress, emotions are rising.
The Fight Is Not Over
In a decisive vote of 284-8-4, the House dismissed two impeachment complaints against Marcos.
For Tinio, that vote did not close the issue.
“The killing of the impeachment complaint does not end the search for accountability,” he said. “It only exposes a bankrupt and corrupted political system.”
His message was clear: the fight moves beyond Congress.
“To the streets. To the courts. To the court of public opinion.”
Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc is calling on Filipinos to mobilize on February 25 — the anniversary of EDSA People Power.
Their warning echoes loudly:
“We will not allow corruption and impunity to triumph. We will not let the Marcoses escape accountability again.”
The questions now hang in the air.
Are these messages real?
Is there more evidence to come?
And if proven true — what happens next?
The country waits.
And watches.
