Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon is convinced that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has no role in the sweeping flood control scandal that has triggered national outrage.

His statement comes in response to resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co’s allegation that he was simply following orders—Marcos’ orders—when he made ₱100 billion in insertions at the bicameral conference committee.

Dizon reminded the media that it was Marcos who called attention to the issue during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) this year, and has since been taking active steps towards bringing justice to those responsible.

“Unang-una, kung maaalala niyo, ang Presidente ang nagpasabog nito, sa SONA. At simula ng SONA, hanggang ngayon, hindi lang salita ang ginawa ng Presidente. Konkretong aksyon ang ginawa ng Presidente para mapanagot lahat ng dapat managot: binuo ang ICI, ang dami nang mga kinasuhan, lahat ng mga reporma natin sa DPWH, sinabi ng Pangulo, ‘Gawin natin lahat ‘yan.’ At most importantly, sabi niya, ‘Wala tayong sisinuhin, kung saan tayo dalhin ng ebidensya, doon tayo pupunta, kahit sino pa ‘yan, kahit kamag-anak pa niya ‘yan,’” he said.

“In fact, kahapon lang, nagbigay siya ng report, komprehensibong report ng lahat ng ginawa ng gobyerno sa loob lamang ng tatlong buwan. So hindi ‘yun consistent doon sa sinasabi ni Congressman Zaldy Co na may involvement ang Presidente dito. Kasi, kung involve ka, bakit ikaw mismo ang magpapasabog? Bakit mo gagawin ang lahat na ito?” he added.

Dizon noted that Co left the country just as the controversy was beginning to unravel, a stark contrast to the President’s apparent dedication to the matter.

“Ano naman ang ginawa ni Congressman Zaldy Co? Diba ang ginawa ni Congressman Zaldy Co, umalis ng Pilipinas, noong nagsimula pa lang itong kontrobersiya, eskandalo sa flood control … So sinong paniniwalaan natin?” he told reporters.

The public works chief expressed confidence in Marcos’ willingness and ability to finish what he had begun when he condemned those profiting at the expense of the everyday Filipino, who periodically endures floods.

“Naniniwala ako, lahat ng gabinete ay nasa likod ng Pangulo… Wala sa history ng bansa na Presidente mismo ang nagsiwalat sa isang napakalaking corruption scandal, at doon ako kampante, at doon nanggagaling ang aking paniniwala at ang aking lakas na tuloy-tuloy ito, at kung anong sinimulan ni Pangulo noong SONA, ay tatapusin din niya ito, at kasama niya ako dito sa pagtatapos sa napakalaking eskandalo,” Dizon said.

On Friday, Co released a video wherein he alleged that Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman called him with instructions from Marcos to make ₱100 billion in insertions just as the bicameral conference’s budget process started.

Moreover, he was told to stay out of the country and assured he will be taken care of.