Allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, led by Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, filed graft complaints against Speaker Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers over alleged insertions in the 2025 national budget.
The complaint, submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman, accuses Romualdez, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, and Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo of falsifying legislative documents by inserting ₱241 billion into previously blank budget allocations.
Administration lawmakers dismissed the case as a political distraction from Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
In response, Dalipe defended the budget process, emphasizing its transparency and adherence to constitutional checks and balances.
Quimbo also maintained that the 2025 budget was lawful and that all appropriations were finalized before its approval.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 11, 2025
