Former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co has continued his series of explosive video statements, building on his earlier claims implicating former Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Bongbong Marcos in alleged kickback schemes involving billions in public funds.
On Tuesday, November 25, Co released a follow-up video revealing what he describes as a similar pattern involving Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos. According to Co, the presidential son allegedly had P9.636 billion inserted into the 2023 budget, P20.174 billion in 2024, and P21.127 billion in 2025, totaling approximately P50.9 billion over three years.
Involvement of Sandro Marcos
In his previous statement, Co detailed that from 2022 to 2025, he facilitated over P55 billion in supposed kickbacks to Romualdez and alleged P1 billion to the President, all tied to projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways. Co described himself as a conduit, coordinating cash deliveries while asserting he did not personally retain any portion.
Co has now expanded his allegations, this time naming the presidential son, Sandro Marcos.
“Bawat taon po, sa tuwing dumarating ang Bicam budget process, lagi pong may utos si Cong. Sandro na ipasok ang mga proyekto nya,” Co said, claiming that these insertions are directed yearly during bicameral conference deliberations.
He further added, “Hindi lang po ang pangulo ang may insertions sa budget, pati po si Cong. Sandro Marcos, mayroon din pong ipinapasok taon-taon.”
He also shared what he says is the full 2025 list of Sandro Marcos’ insertions on Facebook, emphasizing the sheer volume and consistency over multiple years.
These new allegations expand the scope of Co’s earlier disclosures, indicating that the issue of budget insertions, if verified, may involve multiple high-ranking political figures and not just the President. While the government has yet to respond to the latest claims, Co’s statements are fueling renewed calls for transparency and scrutiny over the nation’s public budget.
