The Office of the Ombudsman on Saturday released a public statement responding to former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co’s call for the agency to investigate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over the alleged ₱100 billion budget insertion.
In its statement, the Ombudsman stressed that every serious investigation requires proper procedure, including sworn testimonies, documentary submissions, and verification of evidence—steps that, it said, Co has repeatedly avoided.
“Sa bawat seryosong imbestigasyon, may tamang daloy… Pero pinili ni G. Zaldy Co na umiwas sa prosesong ito,” the agency said, noting that instead of appearing before investigators, Co has been releasing his claims through videos and social media posts.
The Ombudsman emphasized that it had long invited Co to formally present evidence but has yet to receive any sworn statement from him. The agency added that if Co fears for his safety, it is prepared to extend protection.
“G. Co — umuwi kayo. Isumite ang inyong salaysay. Ipaberipika ang inyong mga pahayag… Kung tunay na layunin ninyo ang hustisya, dito iyon magsisimula,” the statement read.
Co, currently abroad, recently released the second installment of his corruption accusations, alleging that funds tied to a ₱100-billion insertion were delivered directly to Marcos and Romualdez. He continued to deny that he personally received cuts or portions from budget allocations.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also issued a response through Secretary Dave Gomez, who dismissed Co’s claims as repetitive and unsubstantiated.
“We may begin to sound like a broken record. What he is saying is a bunch of hearsay. Sabi nito, sabi ni ano,” Gomez said. He criticized Co’s latest video, saying it merely repeated earlier allegations “kahit na kanal na yung una.”
Gomez reiterated the administration’s challenge for Co to return to the Philippines, formalize his claims, and “sign these under oath” if he intends to pursue the accusations.
Government officials have consistently denied wrongdoing connected to the alleged budget insertion. Co has yet to confirm whether he plans to return to the country to submit a sworn statement to the Ombudsman.
