MANILA, Philippines — In a move that challenges the highest seat of power, the Makabayan Coalition has submitted an impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., alleging that the “BBM Parametric Formula” is the cornerstone of a massive infrastructure corruption scheme.
The complaint, centered on the ground of “betrayal of public trust,” claims that the acronym for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget policy—which stands for “Baselined-Balanced-Managed”—is a deliberate reference to the President’s initials and signifies his direct involvement in institutionalizing a new form of pork barrel.
The “Smoking Gun” Makabayan points to the “Managed” stage of the formula as the primary evidence of corruption. According to the 16-page policy document cited in the complaint:
- Higher Considerations: The formula explicitly states that the national budget is a “political tool” and that the “priorities of the leaders of the national government” can override technical engineering and economic development assessments.
- Patronage by Design: Complainants argue this allows individual officials to bypass objective parameters to insert pet projects into the budget, facilitating a “system of kickbacks and commissions.”
Evidence of Kickbacks The complaint incorporates recent political shockwaves, including:
- The Zaldy Co Allegations: Former Rep. Elizaldy Co claimed in November 2025 that Marcos directly instructed the insertion of P100 billion in flood control projects into the 2025 budget. Co further alleged that Marcos received a P25-billion cut from these projects (a claim the Palace has refused to “dignify”).
- Usec. Bernardo’s Testimony: Complainants cite an affidavit and Senate testimony from retired DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who reportedly admitted to delivering money intended for the President.
Political Motive Makabayan asserts that the “BBM Formula” was designed just one month after Marcos took office in June 2022. They allege the scheme served two purposes: personal enrichment and the creation of an illicit “war chest” for the upcoming 2025 National Elections.
Procedural Tug-of-War The filing faced immediate hurdles due to the absence of House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil, who is currently in Taiwan. While Makabayan left the documents at Garafil’s office, they must compete with a first impeachment complaint filed last Monday by lawyer Andre de Jesus. Under the Constitution’s “one-year rule,” the House can only hear one impeachment case per year. If the House Committee on Justice deems the first (De Jesus) complaint “sufficient,” the Makabayan bid may be barred from consideration until 2027.
“Many ask, ‘Why sue BBM? Why say that BBM is corrupt when he was the one who initiated the investigation?'” said former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza. “We think the investigation he initiated is a mere cover-up only.”