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Advocates Philippines
Defensor Backs Zaldy Co; Says Testimony Rings True
Photo credit: Mike Defensor
Former lawmaker Mike Defensor is convinced that former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co is telling the truth about the alleged ₱100-billion budget insertion scandal involving former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Defensor said Co doesn’t need to fly back to the Philippines to validate his statements under oath. According to him, Co can simply have his testimony notarized at any Philippine consulate abroad.
He also stressed that Co isn’t required to return to the country to face the accusations thrown against him — especially now that his safety is at risk.
Defensor: “I believe him.”
In an interview, Defensor explained why Co’s exposé convinced him:
“From the start, they were protecting Zaldy. They claimed there was no stealing. But when he finally spoke and pointed to where the money was delivered, they began destroying him—calling him Duterte’s ally. I don’t care about Duterte, Marcos, or any politics.”
Defensor said he kept silent even when witness Guteza first came out, admitting there were money deliveries.
“When Zaldy Co came out, that’s when it all became clear to me — the connection, the pattern, the machinery behind this stealing from our country,” he said.
Alleged intimidation and threats
Defensor also raised alarm over supposed harassment of people linked to the revelations:
“His family had to flee. They were surrounded after Zaldy spoke and confirmed what Guteza said,” he claimed, adding that witness Paul Estrada and his wife were beaten after agreeing to testify.
He said the couple has since been taken to Chile for protection.
Defensor alleged that armed elements connected to certain government units are being used to suppress the truth.
“This is the armed force of the State. I’m not saying it’s the police institution — I’m sure many police officers are angry about all this stealing. But there are individuals being used to silence people.”
He warned that based on the threats and the pattern of intimidation, “they will kill him. The physical evidence — the attempts — are clear.”
Defensor said Co doesn’t need to fly back to the Philippines to validate his statements under oath. According to him, Co can simply have his testimony notarized at any Philippine consulate abroad.
He also stressed that Co isn’t required to return to the country to face the accusations thrown against him — especially now that his safety is at risk.
Defensor: “I believe him.”
In an interview, Defensor explained why Co’s exposé convinced him:
“From the start, they were protecting Zaldy. They claimed there was no stealing. But when he finally spoke and pointed to where the money was delivered, they began destroying him—calling him Duterte’s ally. I don’t care about Duterte, Marcos, or any politics.”
Defensor said he kept silent even when witness Guteza first came out, admitting there were money deliveries.
“When Zaldy Co came out, that’s when it all became clear to me — the connection, the pattern, the machinery behind this stealing from our country,” he said.
Alleged intimidation and threats
Defensor also raised alarm over supposed harassment of people linked to the revelations:
“His family had to flee. They were surrounded after Zaldy spoke and confirmed what Guteza said,” he claimed, adding that witness Paul Estrada and his wife were beaten after agreeing to testify.
He said the couple has since been taken to Chile for protection.
Defensor alleged that armed elements connected to certain government units are being used to suppress the truth.
“This is the armed force of the State. I’m not saying it’s the police institution — I’m sure many police officers are angry about all this stealing. But there are individuals being used to silence people.”
He warned that based on the threats and the pattern of intimidation, “they will kill him. The physical evidence — the attempts — are clear.”
Nov 17, 2025
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