ICI reviews ex-Rep Co's allegations vs Marcos Jr. on P100B budget insertions

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is reviewing allegations made by former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. concerning the 2025 national budget.

Co claims that Marcos Jr., along with former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, ordered the inclusion of approximately P100 billion in projects during the 2025 bicameral conference.

ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka confirmed the commission is studying Co's allegations, including those from a newly released video and statements made at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings.

Co alleges he was instructed by Marcos Jr. and Romualdez to insert these projects while he was the House appropriations chairperson.

The former congressman also claimed that he was told by Romualdez to stay out of the country as instructed by the president, to avoid being silenced or made a scapegoat in a corruption crackdown.