The Makabayan Bloc has filed a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking for a full investigation into the allegations made by former House Appropriations Committee chair Elizaldy Co and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Usec. Roberto Bernardo regarding supposed budget “insertions” and "kickback" schemes ordered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
House Resolution No. 515 urges lawmakers to examine the claims raised in Co’s series of social-media video disclosures, as well as the testimony of Bernardo, who earlier asserted the existence of large-scale irregularities in infrastructure allocations.
Both former officials have alleged the payment of kickbacks and the insertion of billions of pesos into public works projects—claims they say were ordered or facilitated by high-ranking government figures, including Marcos, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and other senior officials.
ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Atty. Renee Louise Co and Gabriela representative Sarah Jane Elago are leading the call, saying an independent and transparent probe is necessary.
According to Tinio, the allegations “can no longer be taken lightly,” given that they point to “direct involvement” of the President in the alleged insertions and kickbacks.
He criticized what he described as “gatekeeping” in the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon Committee proceedings, claiming that Bernardo’s more recent disclosures have not been fully heard.
“Kaya lang, nababahala tayo na sa halip na lalong madaliang isagawa ang imbestigasyon, sa halip na mag-imbestiga, ay tila pinagtatakpan na. ‘Yung Blue Ribbon Committee, bakit hindi dinidinig 'yung mga bagong revelation daw ni Usec Bernardo? Kinikwento lang ni Sen. Ping Lacson. Parang gatekeeping na nangyayari sa pinakahuling testimony ni Usec. Bernardo dahil nadidikit na ang Presidente,” Tinio said.
Tinio also questioned why institutions such as the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), Ombudsman appear to have scaled back actions after initially signaling preparedness to pursue charges related to conspiracy to commit plunder against former budget officials.
He argued that the investigation must now compel testimony not only from Co and Bernardo but also from from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Romualdez, and several undersecretaries, including Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz, who Co alleged played a key role in the supposed scheme.
Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Co likewise challenged the perceived reluctance to scrutinize former top officials who resigned amid controversy. She noted that more explanations are needed regarding the conduct of Bersamin, Pangandaman, and their subordinates.
“Lumalala, dumadami, bumibigat ang mga alegasyon, ang mga nagtuturo kay President Marcos Jr. Hindi lang siya nagsimula ng imbestigasyon, hindi lang siya bystander dito. Siya daw ay nakakuha ng bilyones in kickbacks,” Kabataan Partylist Representative said in a social media post.
“Pinaglalaban natin ang pananagutan, pinaglalaban natin ang karapatan ng kabataan, ng mamamayang Pilipino na malaman ng katotohanan,” she added.
The resolution is expected to be referred to the appropriate House committee in the coming days.
The bloc will submit a formal written request, with supporting documents, to the ICI.
