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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Zaldy Co denies Tiangco's insertion allegations in Senate hearing

Zaldy Co denies Tiangco's insertion allegations in Senate hearing

Published Sep 8, 2025 05:27 pm

At A Glance

  • Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co "vehemently denied" on Monday afternoon, Sept 8 the allegations raised against him by Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco in a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (PPAB)
Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (PPAB)


Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co "vehemently denied" on Monday afternoon, Sept 8 the allegations raised against him by Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco in a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
"I vehemently deny all the baseless and irresponsible accusations made against me during the Senate hearing held today," Co said, referring to the hearing in the upper chamber that was presided by Senator Rodante Marcoleta.
"These unsubstantiated claims, which attempt to implicate me are not only hearsay but are also politically motivated designed to mislead the public and deflect accountability," Co said.
Co--currently seeking treatment for his heart ailment abroad--served as House Committee on Appropriations chairman for the majority of the previous 19th Congress.
As appropriations panel chairman, Co oversaw the passage of the P6.352-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) or national budget of 2025.
Tiangco told the Senate panel that it was Co who was the proponent of the P13.8-billion insertions in the 2025 national budget. The solon from northern Metro Manila said the entire amount was all linked to flood control items.
Aside from his denial, Co said he couldn't comment on the matter further due to legal reasons.
"The 2025 GAA was certified and approved by both Houses of Congress and signed by the President. As mentioned during the Senate hearing, the President even vetoed some provisions and withheld the release of funds for projects," he said.
"However, the validity of the 2025 GAA is currently the subject of a case before the Supreme Court (SC) and the Ombudsman. For this reason, I am unable to comment on the matter to the public but reserve my right to comment on this matter, if and when, required by the courts where this matter is pending," he noted.
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