Rep. Co denies alleged P13.8B budget insertions

Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco alleged that former House Committee on Appropriations chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co proposed P13.8 billion in budget insertions for the 2025 national budget, primarily for flood control and infrastructure projects.

Co vehemently denied the allegations during a Senate Blue Ribbon inquiry, calling them baseless, irresponsible, and politically motivated.

He stated that the 2025 General Appropriations Act was a product of both houses of Congress and the President, and that the President has the authority to veto budget items.

Co pointed out that the President indeed vetoed some provisions and withheld funds for certain projects.

The issue of the 2025 national budget's legality is currently being questioned before the Supreme Court and investigated by the Ombudsman.

Tiangco had presented evidence suggesting Co proposed the majority of these allocations, while some congressmen denied requesting them, leading Tiangco to question their origin.

Co is also linked to Sunwest Inc., a conglomerate he founded that has secured billions in government contracts.