As political noise grows following the release of Rep. Zaldy Co’s video statements and project list, one fact remains unchanged: Co has not presented any evidence directly linking President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to the alleged P100 billion insertion he claims occurred.
The documents he released list projects and amounts, items commonly found in the national budget, but contain no directive from Malacanang nor any communication showing the President ordered such insertions.
Amid the speculation, Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia stressed that evidence, not theatrics, must guide public judgment.
Context Behind the Sudden Accusations
A recent national security assessment observed that the timing of Co’s revelations aligns with supposed rallies organized by various blocs seeking to pressure the administration. Analysts warn that these events may be part of a broader effort to destabilize the government by spreading misleading narratives targeted at the President. While the assessment does not accuse any group of illegal activity, it underscores the need for fact-based scrutiny rather than reacting to orchestrated timing or political noise.
Why Not Testify Under Oath?
Co’s choice to air his accusations from overseas instead of appearing before Senate inquiries or presenting sworn testimony has raised legitimate questions.
Goitia puts it plainly:
“If the intention is to tell the truth, the strongest place to do that is under oath, not overseas. Our institutions exist precisely so that claims can be examined fairly and transparently.”
Statements made abroad, without the opportunity for cross examination, naturally leave more questions than answers, especially when full legal processes are available in the Philippines.
A Veto That Speaks Louder Than Allegations
Goitia also pointed to a public record that contradicts Co’s claims:
President Marcos Jr. vetoed P194 billion worth of items in the 2025 national budget.
“A leader who vetoes nearly P200 billion in budget items is clearly not someone trying to protect questionable insertions,” Goitia said.
“The record shows a President removing items that raised concerns, not adding to them.”
This fact undermines the suggestion that the President would secretly endorse irregular allocations.
Contradictions in Co’s Story
Goitia noted clear inconsistencies in Co’s narrative, particularly that President Marcos Jr. himself exposed the flood control irregularities and ordered deeper investigation.
He stated the contradiction directly:
“If the President were behind the alleged anomalies, why would he be the one to unveil them? Who exposes their own supposed wrongdoing?”
These questions highlight the gaps in Co’s claims, which remain unsupported by documentary evidence.
Institutional Strengthening in Motion
Goitia also underscored the Marcos administration’s efforts to reinforce transparency and accountability.
“What I see is a government strengthening checks and balances, not weakening them,” he said.
“You cannot fake institutional reforms. You can only implement them if you are genuinely committed to fixing the system.”
Evidence, Not Noise
Co’s statements may prompt discussion, but discussion is not proof.
Lists are not directives.
Allegations are not conclusions.
Timing is not evidence.
As Goitia emphasized:
“Truth does not hide behind edited videos or selective releases. It must be presented openly, under oath, before the institutions of our Republic.”
The Nation Deserves Clarity
Filipinos deserve a conversation grounded in verified facts and proper process, not narratives released abroad or timed for public spectacle.
As Goitia stresses, clarity, not noise, must guide the nation’s understanding.
The Marcos administration continues to focus on governance, accountability, and the real work that matters.
Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia serves as Chairman Emeritus of four respected civic oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and the Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement — platforms through which he continues to advance the causes of sovereignty, reform, and the dignity of the Filipino people.(( ))
