Former Ako Bicol party-list Representative and former House Appropriations Committee chair Zaldy Co has intensified his controversial exposé, claiming in a second video release that he personally delivered suitcases of money linked to alleged P100-billion insertions in the 2025 national budget to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“Ako lang at ang aking mga tao… nag-deliver papunta sa bahay nila Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at Speaker Martin Romualdez… hanggang sa Malacañang. Merong record ang aking mga tao,” Co said, referring to his staff and security aides. The video also included photos of the supposed suitcases.
Co further backed the earlier claims of his alleged former security aide, Orly Guteza, who had previously stated he delivered money to Forbes Park and Malacañang. Co confirmed, “Totoo po yung sinasabi ni Orly Guteza.” However, Guteza has since vanished from public view after issues with his affidavit surfaced in October.
Co alleged that President Marcos received P25 billion, representing 25% of the alleged P100-billion insertions, while Co himself claimed he did not benefit personally. “Wala pong perang napunta sa akin. Lahat po ng insertion napunta sa ating Pangulo at Speaker Martin Romualdez,” he said.
The claims were swiftly dismissed by Malacañang and Marcos. In a chance interview, Marcos said, “I don’t want to even dignify what he was saying.” Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez also called the statements “a bunch of hearsay” and described Co’s video as “wild allegations.” He challenged Co to return to the Philippines and testify under oath.
Romualdez, for his part, stated his conscience “remains clear,” adding that the accusations are “not made under oath and do not hold water in the court of law.”
The escalating controversy has kept the nation on edge, as Co’s claims, if proven, suggest one of the largest alleged misappropriations in recent Philippine budget history. Yet, the denials from Marcos, Romualdez, and Malacañang underscore the legal hurdles Co faces if he wishes to substantiate his allegations.
The situation continues to unfold, with lawmakers, the public, and legal authorities watching closely, awaiting whether Co will substantiate his explosive claims under proper judicial scrutiny.
