In his Jessica Soho interview, Cong. Toby Tiangco exposes the anomalies in the Congress–from insertions and ghost projects to a culture of silence that keeps corruption alive.
A Syndicate in the Government
“Sinindikato na ang buong gobyerno.”
With those words, Tiangco put into sharp focus what many Filipinos fear: that the national budget has been captured by a cartel of lawmakers who treat public funds as private spoils.
His bombshell interview with Jessica Soho revealed not only his falling out with Speaker Martin Romualdez, but also his conviction that Appropriations Chair Zaldy Co must explain billions funneled into projects shrouded in secrecy.
The Exposé
Tiangco, once a friend of Speaker Martin Romualdez, admitted their relationship broke down over budget issues. At the heart of the controversy: Appropriations Chair Zaldy Co, accused of inserting P13.8 billion into districts without consultation and channeling nearly P4 billion to party-lists under his influence. These figures dwarf normal allocations and raise the specter of systemic abuse.
The scheme works through “insertions”—hidden adjustments smuggled into the budget process. Unlike legitimate amendments, these lack transparency and accountability. Add to this the fact that 67 congressmen are also contractors, and the result is a legislative body with direct financial stakes in government projects.
Rejecting the idea that Congress can credibly investigate itself, Tiangco called for an independent commission to review anomalies. He emphasized that transparency and accountability are critical to prevent similar irregularities from recurring in the 2026 budget and beyond.
7-7-7 Scheme
Patronage politics makes the scheme self-sustaining. Tiangco pointed to the “7-7-7 scheme,” where funds in small tranches—often P7 million—are released around political fairs or events. While appearing like aid, these allocations become illegal when they involve post-enactment budget modifications, directly violating the Supreme Court’s ruling against discretionary lump sums like PDAF. The effect: lawmakers retain control over funds long after the budget is passed, tightening their grip on constituents.
Ghost projects complete the cycle: certified as finished on paper, yet nonexistent in reality.
The concealment of small committee reports only deepens suspicion that records are being manipulated to shield insiders. Meanwhile, most lawmakers stay silent, fearing their districts will lose funding if they speak out.
Tiangco’s blunt assessment is that Congress cannot investigate itself.
Call For Transparency
Internal probes have historically served to protect allies rather than expose wrongdoing. With that, his call for an independent commission mirrors public frustration:
Filipinos want real accountability, not political theater.
