NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Palace Slams Zaldy Co Over Alleged Budget Insertions
PCO Press Briefing with MPC November 14, 2025. Photo credit: PCO
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Thursday hit back at former congressman Zaldy Co, rejecting his claim that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) orchestrated alleged insertions in the 2025 budget.
Co had alleged that the President instructed Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman — through the bicameral conference committee — to insert the funds. Castro responded, saying, Lumiliit lang siguro talaga ang mundo ni Zaldy Co dahil siya ang naiipit sa mga aksiyong siya mismo ang gumawa.”
Pangandaman also dismissed the claims, emphasizing that “All appropriations ordered by the President are already in the National Expenditure Program — that is why it is called the President’s Budget.” She added that the Office of the President has no role in the bicameral conference process and that budget procedures are strictly followed under the Constitution.
Castro further stressed that Co’s accusations lack evidence, noting that the President is unbothered by the allegations because the truth is known. Malacañang maintained that Co’s statements against the President are unfounded and purely hearsay.
The dispute highlights tensions over the budget process as Co challenges the government to substantiate his claims, while officials continue to defend the integrity of the 2025 budget.
Co had alleged that the President instructed Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman — through the bicameral conference committee — to insert the funds. Castro responded, saying, Lumiliit lang siguro talaga ang mundo ni Zaldy Co dahil siya ang naiipit sa mga aksiyong siya mismo ang gumawa.”
Pangandaman also dismissed the claims, emphasizing that “All appropriations ordered by the President are already in the National Expenditure Program — that is why it is called the President’s Budget.” She added that the Office of the President has no role in the bicameral conference process and that budget procedures are strictly followed under the Constitution.
Castro further stressed that Co’s accusations lack evidence, noting that the President is unbothered by the allegations because the truth is known. Malacañang maintained that Co’s statements against the President are unfounded and purely hearsay.
The dispute highlights tensions over the budget process as Co challenges the government to substantiate his claims, while officials continue to defend the integrity of the 2025 budget.
Nov 14, 2025
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