The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) expressed alarm over what it called the country’s biggest corruption scandal, urging the government to seriously pursue the investigation into the alleged masterminds behind the ₱100-billion budget insertions in the 2025 national budget.
ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis said authorities should not dismiss the allegations of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who implicated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former speaker Martin Romualdez, noting that the public demands accountability.
He stressed that the controversy has already damaged business confidence, citing the lack of charges against supposed masterminds and the difficulties faced by witnesses.
In a joint statement, major business and labor groups called on the President to take bold and decisive action to restore public trust and prove that the anti-corruption campaign is genuine.
Meanwhile, Co’s lawyer said the whistleblower feels “more afraid” after releasing videos accusing top officials of orchestrating the alleged kickback scheme.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 18, 2025
