One of the most common—and critical—questions surrounding Zaldy Co’s explosive allegations is: If President Marcos really had full control of the budget, why would he need to order ₱100 billion in insertions during the bicameral (Bicam) conference?
Here’s a breakdown of the issue:
- Argument From Zaldy Co: Co claims that Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman called him, saying she had just met with Marcos and relayed his instruction to insert ₱100 billion worth of projects during the bicameral conference.
- How Co Says It Happened: According to him, he confirmed with Usec. Adrian Bersamin that Marcos made the order and later brought it up with then‑Speaker Martin Romualdez, who allegedly replied, “What the President wants, he gets.”
- The Problem People Raise: Critics, including some senators, argue that the President already controls the National Expenditure Program (NEP) prepared before Congress deliberates. They question why additional insertions would be necessary at Bicam.
- Budget Secretary’s Defense: Pangandaman denies the accusation, stating these were appropriations already included in the NEP, and that Co’s claims distort the budget process.
- Palace’s Counterclaim: Malacañang points to inconsistencies in Co’s narrative, including timeline issues suggesting some claims may not align with the actual Bicam schedule.
Why This Question Matters:
- This isn’t just a technical detail—if Co’s account is accurate, it could imply unusual or potentially improper use of budget insertions during Bicam.
- If the NEP already contained the intended allocations, forcing additional insertions becomes harder to justify.
- Understanding this question correctly could either support Co’s allegations or weaken them, depending on how the facts are verified.