Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson confirmed that the P100 billion in alleged bicameral insertions cited by resigned congressman Zaldy Co is real, but dismissed claims that President Marcos received kickbacks from the funds as “absolutely untrue.”
Lacson said his conclusion followed consultations with former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who reportedly handled cash distributions, revealing that kickbacks went to other officials, not the President.
Lacson and Finance Committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian independently verified the list and noted that several projects were vetoed by Marcos, contradicting allegations of presidential involvement.
He also exposed a new “allocable” system in the 2025 budget, a form of pork barrel where funds were allocated before project identification, benefiting lawmakers and certain DPWH officials.
Minority lawmakers criticized the lack of transparency during bicameral deliberations and called for further investigations, while DPWH has moved to appoint career executives to key procurement posts as part of agency reforms.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 19, 2025
