The Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) has called out former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co for putting out "theatrical" videos that could end up "distracting" Filipinos from the important issues of budget insertions and flood control projects.

"The [NPC] expresses its concern over the recent video message released by former Congressman Zaldy Co. As it stands, the recording is unsworn, unnotarized, unauthenticated and produced abroad, and therefore carries no legal weight or value as formal testimony," the party said in a statement sent Monday, Nov. 17 to House of Representatives reporters.

"The emotional and theatrical tone of the video appears intended to shift public sentiment and recast Mr. Co as a victim rather than the official who oversaw House-side adjustments during the 2025 budget process," it said.

"Such framing risks distracting the public from the serious questions surrounding anomalous insertions and alleged ghost projects that are currently under review by oversight bodies," the NPC said of the style of Co's video exposés.

Co, a former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, claimed in his tell-all videos over the weekend President Marcos sought P100 billion worth of project insertions in the 2025 national budget, particularly during the Bicameral Conference Committee hearings.

From this massive insertion, the Chief Executive allegedly received P25 billion in kickbacks.

Amid these allegations, Co claimed that his life was in danger, and that he would be "rubbed out" the moment he returns to the Philippines. "Sana po ay hindi nila ako mapatay bago ko mailabas ang lahat (I hope they won't succeed in killing me before I get to expose everything)," the ex-lawmaker also said.

"For the public’s clarity, once the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is submitted, adjustments during the Bicameral Conference Committee originate solely from Congress. No external entity can introduce insertions at that stage," the NPC said.

"During the period in question, responsibility for House-side changes rested with Mr. Co. Suggestions that attempt to place accountability elsewhere are inconsistent with long-established budget procedures," it noted.

Hammering home its point, the NPC said: "The coalition urges caution in consuming dramatic online content that lacks verification. Emotional messaging should not be used to overshadow legitimate audits, inquiries or the work of institutions tasked with determining the facts."

"Let the facts, not dramatized narratives, guide the public’s understanding of this matter.

"If Mr. Co wishes to pursue his claims, he may execute a sworn affidavit, submit supporting documents, and appear before the appropriate authorities. These steps—not unsworn recordings—will allow for a clear and credible resolution of the issues at hand," the 33-year-old and highly respected political party said.

The NPC went on to commend President Marcos "for taking the lead in uncovering the irregularities in the budgetary process".

"He promptly brought these issues to light, directed the investigation of those involved, and ordered the creation of the ICI (Independent Commission for Infrastructure) together with broad institutional reforms within the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways).

"The [NPC] believes that the truth will be determined by evidence, by audits and by due process. The [NPC] remains committed to transparency, due process and an orderly determination of truth," it said.