AMID other issues hounding the House of the Representatives, Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco has cautioned the public not to be distracted as he pushed for holding ex-Ako Bicol congressman Zaldy Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez accountable for mangling the 2025 national budget.
“For the moment, both Zaldy Co and Rep. Martin Romualdez look rejoicing as they believe the corruption issues involving them particularly regarding the 2025 national budget seem to be no longer being talked about,” Tiangco said.
As he threw his full support behind all calls for transparency, the veteran lawmaker cited the need to renew focus on the flood control scandal and the questionable insertions in the 2025 budget.
“Yes to transparency but let us not forget to hold liable those involved in flood control corruption scandal and unlawful insertions on 2025 national budget,” Tiangco reiterated.
The lower house should start the year right by finally posting on its official website the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget per congressional district, as well as the projects endorsed by party-list representatives for the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), said the former long-time mayor-turned-legislator.
“This (website posting) is vital in order to prevent a repeat of the controversial 2025 GAA enacted under then Appropriations Committee chair—but now-resigned Ako Bicol Representative—Zaldy Co,” Tiangco said.
Moreover, he said it would also help in re-focusing in the investigation and filing of cases against those involved in the “grand theft of the government coffers.”
He reiterated that publishing the budget and project proponents on the Congress website is a basic safeguard against corruption and a necessary step to ensure accountability.
On November 21, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that an arrest warrant had been issued for Co and 17 others, and that the Office of the Ombudsman had filed formal charges based on evidence submitted by the DPWH and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
The National Bureau of Investigation has already asked Interpol for a red notice to assist in Co’s arrest.
