Former Ako Bicol party-list representative and former House Appropriations chair Zaldy Co has ignited a political storm. In a deeply emotional message released on Saturday, he openly challenged Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate two of the country’s most powerful men—former Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Co claimed they were behind a P100-billion insertion in the proposed 2025 national budget. And this time, he says he’s ready to speak plainly.
He dared the Ombudsman to stand by his own earlier statements.
“Kung seryoso siya sa sinabi niya… patunayan niya ngayon,” Co said, pausing as if weighing each word.
He insisted that if Remulla meant what he announced to the public, he should investigate his own fraternity brother, Romualdez, and show the country he is committed to his duty.
In response, the Office of the Ombudsman released a calm but firm statement, urging Co to submit evidence through the proper legal channels—not through public spectacle.
“If the intention is to uncover the truth, let us pursue it through the rules that govern us all,” the office said, emphasizing that every claim must be checked with rigor, not emotion.
Earlier this month, Remulla had said Romualdez could still be held liable—at least for gross negligence—over Co’s actions during last year’s budget discussions. Though Romualdez was not part of the bicameral conference committee, the Ombudsman noted he could not be entirely removed from responsibility.
Romualdez, however, maintained his innocence.
“My conscience remains clear,” he said. “No official, contractor, or witness has pointed to any wrongdoing on my part.”
He dismissed Co’s allegations, saying statements not made under oath “do not hold water in the court of law.”
Co, meanwhile, continued releasing accusations. In the first part of his “tell-all” video message, he claimed Marcos and Romualdez orchestrated the massive budget insertion during last year’s bicam process.
President Marcos brushed off the claims.
“I don’t want to even dignify what he was saying,” he told reporters during a visit to typhoon-hit communities in Negros Occidental.
The Presidential Communications Office echoed the denial. Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said Co’s claims were nothing more than “a bunch of hearsay,” urging him to return to the country and testify under oath.
Despite the pushback, Co stood firm and called on the Senate to launch its own investigation into the alleged P100-billion insertion.
He said he no longer expects Ombudsman Remulla to accept his challenge—but he trusts the Senate to uncover the truth.
“Naniniwala po ako… dahil sa kanila lalabas ang katotohanan,” Co said, ending his message with a mix of defiance and hope.
