Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas did not grant an interview, while QC 6th District Rep. Maria Victoria Co-Pilar managed to elude the press after testifying in yet another closed-door hearing of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Vargas and Co-Pilar requested an executive session during their testimony on Thursday at the ICI.

According to contractor Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya, Vargas and Co-Pilar allegedly solicited money from his firm after it won a government project bid.

Discaya identified 18 lawmakers who allegedly asked for a cut, and six of them, including Vargas and Co-Pilar, already went to the ICI. Also tagged by Discaya, Caloocan City 3rd District Rep. Dean Asistio, and Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos Atayde already appeared before ICI on Tuesday, while Quezon 3rd District Rep. Reynante Arrogancia and Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela also followed suit on Wednesday.

Yielding to mounting pressure from the public and with critics saying it could cast doubt on the commission’s findings, the ICI allowed live streaming of hearings, but with a tricky loophole, as those summoned could still request an executive session.

So far, all six lawmakers have requested their hearings to be a closed-door one

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson has sounded the alarm over several ‘duplicate’ projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in its 2025 budget, warning that these were designed to ‘confuse and corrupt.’

Lacson, during his interpellation of the proposed DPWH budget for 2026, said the duplicate projects were under the Convergence and Special Support Program (CSSP). He noted that these were ‘significantly bloated every year’ from 2023 to 2025.

According to Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian, who sponsored the DPWH budget, the increases were ‘mostly congressional.’

The department’s proposed budget for 2026 is under scrutiny amid an ongoing investigation into billions of pesos worth of allocations for government flood control projects that ended up being lost to corruption over the past years. Ballooning figure

Lacson said the DPWH’s CSSP budget in 2024 showed it had an allotment of P174.088 billion in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2024, but the figure ballooned to P410.91 billion in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The NEP is the budget proposal submitted by Malacañang to Congress, while the reconciled version of the budget proposals coming from the House and Senate is the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). It becomes the GAA once it is signed into law by the President.

For 2025, the CSSP budget grew from P221.499 billion in the NEP to P504.226 billion in the GAA. For 2026, the CSSP had P167.79 billion in the NEP and P234.236 billion in the House version of the budget bill.

Lacson said he found that many projects under the Sustainable Infra Projects Alleviating Gaps (Sipag) had the same names as those under the Basic Infrastructure programs (BIP) but with different amounts.

‘We have to take a closer look at them because we may be giving double appropriations-different programs but the same projects,’ he added.

Double appropriations

He illustrated that among the projects that had ‘duplicate’ allocations in the 2025 budget were the construction of Barangay San Jose-Barangay Bandi Road Package 2 in Barangay San Jose-Barangay Bandi in Donsol, Sorsogon, with P39.433 million under Sipag and P150 million under BIP; road rehabilitation, Phases 1 and 2 in Umingan, Pangasinan (P125 million and P200 million, respectively) under Sipag, and Phase 3 of ‘construction/rehabilitation’ of roads in Umingan (P17 million) under BIP.

Other duplicate projects were the construction of a road at Barangay Guisican, Phase II, in Labo, Camarines Norte (P30 million) under Sipag and Phase 1 of a similarly named project (P100 million) under BIP; and the rehabilitation of a road, Phase 1 from Barangay Naspi to Barangay Abucay in Pilar, Sorsogon (P100 million) under Sipag, and the construction of Naspi-Abucay Road in Pilar, Sorsogon, Phase 2 (P50 million) under BIP.

‘I hope this can be rectified. I can go on and on because we saw so many projects. I hope [DPWH] Secretary [Vince] Dizon will look at the project titles, especially those that are exactly the same or divided into phases but placed under different programs,’ Lacson said.

Gatchalian pointed out that in the case of projects with the same titles and without technical descriptions, the district engineer may have the discretion of how and where to implement the projects.

Late last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed P194 billion worth of projects in the 2025 GAA that were ‘not consistent with our programmed priorities,’ reducing the national budget to P6.326 trillion. Vetoed were a P26.065 billion allocation for the DPWH and another P168.240 billion worth of projects allocated under the controversial unprogrammed appropriations.

As we enter the season of Advent-the first under our new pope, Pope Leo XIV-let us take a moment to reflect on the recent teachings of the Church regarding the world today.

When a cardinal is elected pope, he chooses a papal name that signals his mission. That name hints at the direction he intends to lead the Catholic Church, as well as the issues he believes the institution must confront.

In this case, Robert Francis Prevost, with American and Peruvian heritage, chose the name Leo, last held by Pope Leo XIII.

During his pontificate at the turn of the 20th century, Leo XIII championed the rights of workers at a time when the industrial revolution had produced what he described as ‘dehumanizing living conditions for the worker.’

It was Leo XIII who issued the encyclical ‘Rerum Novarum,’ or ‘Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor,’ which sought a middle path between socialism and capitalism. Through this landmark document, he placed the weight of the Catholic Church behind the right to a living wage-one that allows workers to improve their conditions over time. He affirmed both workers’ rights to form unions and capitalists’ rights to private property.

Far-reaching influence

The influence of Rerum Novarum was far-reaching. My friend, the literary critic Jonathan Chua, notes that ‘before World War II, social action at the Ateneo de Manila drew on two papal encyclicals: Pope Leo’s Rerum Novarum (1891) and Pope Pius’ Quadragesimo Anno (1931).’ The latter served as an extension and reaffirmation of Leo XIII’s teachings amid a changing political landscape.

By choosing the name Leo, Prevost signals that he understands both his role and that of the Church as guiding the faithful through another era of transformative technological change.

In his first address to the College of Cardinals after his election in May, Pope Leo said, ‘In our own day, the church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor.’ True to this mission, Pope Leo has repeatedly reflected on AI across a range of settings. ‘There is no doubt that technological development has brought, and continues to bring, significant benefits to humanity, particularly in the fields of medicine and health,’ he said to an audience of doctors and bioethicists at the 2025 Congress of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

‘[But] in order to ensure true progress, it is imperative that human dignity and the common good remain resolute priorities for all, both individuals and public entities. Given the vast economic interests often at stake in the fields of medicine and technology, and the subsequent fight for control, it is essential to promote a broad collaboration among all those working in health care and politics that extends well beyond national borders.’ Call for prudence

He also spoke with American high school students at the National Catholic Youth Conference. In response to a question from a student about how best to use ChatGPT, the Pope responded: ‘Use it in such a way that if it disappeared tomorrow, you would still know how to create, how to act on your own, how to form authentic friendships. Remember, AI can never replace the unique gift that you are to the world.

‘AI will not judge between what is truly right and wrong. And it won’t stand in wonder, in authentic wonder, before the beauty, the beauty of God’s creation. So be prudent. Be wise. Be careful that your use of AI does not limit your true human growth. ‘Using AI responsibly means using it in ways that help you grow, never in ways that distract you from your dignity or your call to holiness. AI can process information quickly, but it cannot replace human intelligence-and don’t ask it to do your homework for you!’

These are words we can convey to our students, our children, and can take to heart ourselves.

Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 27 points, Jaylen Wells added 25 and the Memphis Grizzlies outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 133-128 in overtime Wednesday night in NBA Cup play.

Zach Edey had 21 points, 15 rebounds and two blocked shots for the Memphis, which improved to 2-1 in West Group B, while the Pelicans completed in-season tournament play at 0-4. The Grizzlies outscored New Orleans by 39 points during the 35 minutes Edey was on the court. Jose Alvarado scored 24 for the Pelicans, who dominated when Edey was on the bench. They went up by 17 in the first half and led for most of regulation. Saddiq Bey had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Zion Williamson scored 17 for New Orleans, which snapped a nine-game skid on Monday night.

After Alvarado’s sixth 3-pointer tied the score at 128 late in overtime, Jackson found Wells behind the New Orleans defense for a dunk that gave the Grizzlies the lead for good. Jose Alvarado scored 24 for the Pelicans, who dominated when Edey was on the bench. They went up by 17 in the first half and led for most of regulation. Saddiq Bey had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Zion Williamson scored 17 for New Orleans, which snapped a nine-game skid on Monday night.

After Alvarado’s sixth 3-pointer tied the score at 128 late in overtime, Jackson found Wells behind the New Orleans defense for a dunk that gave the Grizzlies the lead for good. New Orleans had three more possessions, but Williamson turned the ball over on one and missed a 3 late in the shot clock on another. Alvarado could not connect with Williamson on an inbounds pass in the final seconds.

The Grizzlies were on the brink of winning in regulation, but Williamson hit a difficult driving scoop off the glass with 0.9 seconds left to tie it at 122.

Alvarado hit four 3s and scored 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting in his first 12 minutes on the court, helping the Pelicans take a 68-53 lead at halftime.

Memphis opened the third quarter on a 13-2 run that included two 3s by Wells and one by Jackson. The Grizzlies hit six of eight 3s in the period.

The Pelicans responded by hitting seven of their next 10 from deep – three by Jordan Hawkins and two by Bey.

That helped the Pelicans maintain their lead into the fourth quarter, when neither team led by more than nine.

MANILA, Philippines – Severe Tropical Storm Verbena (international name: Koto) exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) Thursday morning, according to the state weather bureau.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), in its early morning update, said that as of 3 a.m., Verbana was outside the PAR and some 240 kilometers north-northeast of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan.

Verbena continues to move west-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour (kph), maintaining maximum sustained winds of 110 kph and gusts up to 135 kph.

Pagasa said the cyclone is still bringing strong winds of 39 to 61 kph to the Kalayaan Islands, which remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 1. Rain due to Verbana and its trough or extension is also forecast in the Kalayaan Islands and the rest of Palawan, Pagasa added.

Pagasa likewise warned of possible flash floods or landslides in rain-affected areas.

CWS Rep. Edwin Gardiola is now entangled in the government’s investigation into corruption, as Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste claimed that the engineer, who already made headlines in 2000 to 2008, is one of the ‘biggest’ proponents of infrastructure projects.

Last week, Nov. 18, Leviste asked the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate Gardiola over his supposed involvement in the controversy, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr assailed in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.

The ICI investigated Gardiola, but its executive director, Brian Keith Hosaka, disengaged from Leviste’s statement, which alleged that Gardiola is the ‘second biggest’ proponent of projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). But the statement that Gardiola ‘pre-ordered’ billions worth of projects that were eventually awarded to companies linked to him was enough for his past to emerge, especially how two companies with ties to Gardiola became the government’s top contractors in the 2000s. Arroyo contractor

Even before Leviste made the claim, Gardiola was already in the headlines over a decade ago, with the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) reporting that two companies, ‘owned and controlled’ by the clan, bagged P11.6 billion worth of contracts with the DPWH.

From 2001 to 2010, JSG Construction, owned by Edwin and his wife, Judy, secured P4.42 billion in public works contracts, while E. Gardiola Construction, now Newington Builders Inc., owned by his brother Elmer and wife Elaine, obtained P7.21 billion.

The Gardiolas pointed out in a statement made by their spokesperson that ‘we have a proven track record for finishing projects on time and not [being] involved in any anomalous transactions or engag[ing] in ghost projects.

But back in 2014, then Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson revealed that in the last months of the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, some P10.5 billion was released to the agency for several infrastructure projects, with one located in Mataas na Kahoy in Batangas.

As Singson said, a 12-kilometer road project remained incomplete almost five years after funds were released, saying that Gardiola, the contractor who secured the deal, was believed to have failed in submitting accomplishment reports.

Over 10 years later, Jay Manalo Ilagan, former mayor of Mataas na Kahoy, asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the ICI to investigate Gardiola, now a congressman, for allegedly funneling irregular DPWH projects into the town, which only has 20,000 registered voters.

‘We have 16 barangays here, with almost 20,000 voters. The funds poured in for the year 2025 amounted to P3 billion. This place is being turned into a rice granary of projects-everything is being dumped here,’ he said in an interview.

Lavish residences

Between 2011 and 2017, or years after the end of Arroyo’s presidency, Gardiola acquired at least three properties in Southern California, including a mansion in Newport Beach, with a value of close to P1 billion, based on real estate records checked by INQUIRER.Net’s US Bureau. The first, a 9,438 sq. ft. mansion with six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, was purchased by Gardiola and his wife in 2011. It stands on a 18,292 sq. ft. lot on the hills of San Joaquin, overlooking the coastline of Crystal Cove. Public records indicate that the Gardiolas still own the mansion. Almost a year later, Gardiola bought an Ashgate Court residence in Ontario that has three bedrooms and two bathrooms constructed in 1987. Gardiola is listed as the ‘primary owner,’ with records stating that he is up to date with the tax payments.

The third one is the four-bedroom and 2.5-bathroom house in Fontana, beneath the Jurupa and San Gabriel Mountains. The residence, which was built in 2017, was sold within the same year. As of July 2024 to present, Gardiola is still listed as the owner.

It was only in 2022 when Gardiola became a congressman as the representative of CWS, or Construction Workers Solidarity, which was established in the 1990s in a bid to represent the interests of construction workers across the Philippines.

CWS received over 400,000 votes then. Last May, CWS, secured one seat with almost 500,000 votes, with Gardiola still its representative in the 20th Congress, having replaced former Public Works Undersecretary Romeo Momo, who represented CWS from 2019 to 2022.

Back in 2016, CWS lost its election bid.

A repeat?

Then came Marcos SONA, which eventually opened investigations into alleged corruption in government, especially flood mitigation works, which were supposed to protect flood-prone areas, but turned out to be incomplete or nonexistent.

As Leviste claimed, Gardiola ‘pre-ordered’ over P22 billion worth of projects by making proposals even before the House of Representatives was able to deliberate on the National Expenditure Program from Malacañang through the Department of Budget and Management. Last August, Marcos released a list of contractors, who, since 2022, have cornered P100 billion – or 20 percent – of all flood control projects all over the Philippines, but while companies linked to Gardiola were not on the list, PCIJ pointed out how he is linked to some government contractors. This, as it stated that Gardiola is related to some of the shareholders of Newington Builders Inc., Laurel Development Corp., and S-Ang Construction and General Trading, which are companies that bagged almost P40 billion in public works contracts since 2016.

Based on the DPWH Transparency Portal, the agency had 247,172 contracts from 2016 to 2025, and close to 360 were awarded to the companies: 188 to the Newington Builders Inc., 27 to Lourel Development Corp., and 143 to S-Ang Construction and General Trading Inc. Out of the P6.36 trillion worth of contracts that the DPWH had since 2016, P39.78 billion was secured by the companies linked to Gardiola: P20.34 billion for the Newington Builders Inc., P3.03 billion for Lourel Development Corp., and P16.40 billion for S-Ang Construction and General Trading Inc. The ICI, on Nov. 6, recommended the filing of criminal and administrative cases against Gardiola and seven more former and present lawmakers as they ‘appeared to have violated the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and the Anti-Graft and Graft Practices, among others.’

Petro Gazz returned to the PVL Reinforced Conference final for the first time in three years for a shot at its fourth championship.

The Angels survived the eighth-seeded but hard-fighting Akari Chargers, 25-19, 25-17, 15-25, 22-25, 15-13, to make their second PVL finals this year on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum

Petro Gazz eyes its third Reinforced crown and a second title this year after capturing the franchise’s maiden All-Filipino Conference crown last May.

Two-time All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle will be making her first Reinforced finals and they will face the winner of the last semifinal game between PLDT and ZUS Coffee on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Big Dome.

‘I thought Akari did phenomenal. They pushed us definitely physically and mentally to the max. That was one of the most intense games I’ve played in a very long time,’ said Van Sickle, who had an all-around 23-point game on top of 18 excellent receptions and 13 digs.

‘It was so high stress, which is awesome. As an athlete, you want to be in those situations, and it just makes the win a little bit greater.’ Lindsey Vander Weide, a 2022 Finals MVP and Best Import, steered the Angels back to the finals for the third time in the last four Reinforced editions, delivering 16 points despite suffering a right ankle sprain last Monday’s quarterfinals.

Petro Gazz couldn’t complete a sweep after taking a two-set advantage, losing the third by 10 points and failing to complete a comeback in the fourth.

Tied at 12 in the fifth, Lindsey Vander Weide drilled a clutch cross court kill followed by Fifi Sharma’s attack error to reach match point.

The American import missed her serve, but Grethcel Soltones’ attempt to tie the game sent the Angels to the finals after the ball went out.

‘I think it goes to show it does not matter how we start, but what matters most is how we finish,’ said Brooke, who entered her second PVL finals with dad Gary as head coach. ‘In the beginning of the season it was a little hard. This team. We showed grit. To dog it out from start to finish.’

Myla Pablo sustained her fine form with 14 points after a 26-point explosion to dethrone Creamline in the quarterfinals last Monday.

Pablo set the tone for Petro Gazz’s dominant first two sets after scoring five straight points for a 16-6 lead in the first.

MJ Phillips had 13 points. Rookie setter Jules Tolentino paced the Angels with 27 excellent sets, while Bang Pineda tallied 27 digs.

The Chargers committed seven of their 28 errors in the fifth as Anni Mitchem’s 28-point explosion went for naught.

Ced Domingo delivered 16 points, while Soltones had 12 points, 18 receptions, and nine digs. Akari, which upset the No.1 seed Farm Fresh in the quarterfinals, failed to return to the Reinforced finals after a runner-up finish last year but still has a chance for a bronze medal finish in its final match also on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Miguel Tanfelix narrated his unfortunate experience of mistakenly paying P20,000 instead of just P2,000, and not being able to get it back at a restaurant in Brazil.

The actor recalled his South America trip in his ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ interview on Wednesday, Nov. 26, saying he was filled with excitement despite some warning him against the dangerous places and people in the continent.

Tanfelix was all praises as he said he was fascinated by the nature experience it offers as well as its night life. However, the actor admitted there was also an unpleasant incident during his trip.

‘Na-scam lang ako ng P20,000. Kasi first night ko sa Rio, kumain ako sa restaurant. Medyo malungkot ako ‘non e kasi birthday ko sa Pilipinas,’ he narrated.

(I lost P20,000 to a scam. During my first night in Rio [de Janeiro], I ate at a restaurant. I was a bit sad at the time because it was already my birthday in the Philippines.)

‘So medyo senti and siguro not paying attention, ang nabigay ko 20 bills ng 100, na dapat 10 lang,’ he recounted. ‘So instead of P2,000, ang naibigay ko ay P20,000.’

(I was quite sentimental and not paying attention, so I paid 20 pieces of 100-bill instead of just 10. So instead of P2,000, I mistakenly gave them P20,000.)

Tanfelix did not immediately realize the mistake, only becoming aware of it the next day after he checked his wallet.

‘Kinonnect-connect ko. Binalikan ko at araw-araw akong nandoon sa restaurant na ‘yon,’ he said, noting that he was in communication with the establishment owner. (I connected the incidents and repeatedly visited the restaurant.)

Tanfelix added that he and the owner reviewed the CCTV but unfortunately, there was no clear footage of him handing out the P20,000 payment.

‘So sabi ko, birthday ko naman, regalo ko na lang sa kaniya ‘yon,’ he stated, chuckling. (So I told myself, I’ll just treat it as my gift to them since it was my birthday.)

Despite this, Tanfelix underscored that the trip, albeit quite expensive, is a memory he will forever treasure.

Purpose-built for creativity, travel, concerts, and storytelling, the vivo X300 Series showcases breakthrough telephoto innovation, flagship-level performance, and a complete professional shooting experience right from the palm of your hand. With its official debut, vivo confidently announces that the Telephoto King has arrived, and is finally ready to be owned.

Pricing and availability

vivo X300 and vivo X300 Pro both come with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, giving users generous space and seamless performance for high-resolution photos, videos, and apps.

During the vivo X300 Series Launch on November 26, 2025, vivo Philippines Vice President for Sales Hazel Bascon announced that vivo X300 in Halo Pink and Phantom Black is priced at Php 67,999, while the vivo X300 Pro in Dune Brown is priced at Php 77,999. To make premium technology easier to access, customers may enjoy 0% interest installment plans for up to 18 months through Home Credit or up to 24 months through major credit cards.

Pre-orders begin now until December 5. Those who pre-order will receive exclusive gifts including the vivo X Series VIP Exclusive Card and the limited-edition vivo Watch GT.

The vivo X300 Series is available through vivo Concept Stores, the official vivo e-store, and online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Accessories, trade-in offers, and Globe partnership

Alongside the flagship smartphones, vivo introduces new imaging accessories designed to elevate the X300 Pro’s professional capabilities. The vivo ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender Kit is priced at Php 12,999, while the PGYTECH Professional Imaging Grip Kit is priced at Php 7,999. Both accessories may be purchased through installment when bundled with the vivo X300 Pro. Beginning January 2026, Globe Postpaid subscribers may avail the vivo X300 Pro bundled with a free vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Kit.

Also, customers upgrading from eligible devices, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max, may also enjoy up to Php 56,100 in savings through the CompAsia trade-in program.

Why the Telephoto King should be your next phone

The vivo X300 Series is built for those who love experiencing life through a lens. Whether capturing concerts from a distance, creating travel memories, photographing wildlife, or documenting spontaneous everyday moments, the vivo X300 Series empowers users to shoot with clarity and confidence.

The vivo X300 Pro features a 200 MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera paired with a ZEISS Gimbal-Grade Main Camera with CIPA 5.5 stabilization, offering incredibly detailed and stable shots even without a tripod. The vivo X300 also receives a major upgrade with a new 200 MP ZEISS Main Camera. Both models support the 200 MP Ultra-Clear Portrait mode, allowing users to capture precise, rich, and true-to-life details in portrait photography.

Stage Mode 2.0, dual-view recording, 20x long-range motion capture, and ZEISS Mirotar telephoto-style bokeh further enhance the experience, making distant subjects sharp, expressive, and cinematic.

Beyond imaging, the vivo X300 Series also elevates performance and everyday use. It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Platform for fast speed and efficiency. The vivo X300 is powered by a 6040 mAh battery, while the vivo X300 Pro carries a larger 6510 mAh battery, both with support for 90W FlashCharge and 40W Wireless FlashCharge.

The debut of the all-new OriginOS 6 introduces a smoother and more intuitive user experience. The system includes features such as Origin Island for seamless multitasking, vivo Office Kit for effortless computer and phone collaboration, and enhanced privacy protection through Private Space and vivo Security.

The viewing experience also stands out, thanks to the ZEISS Master Color Display with ZEISS Natural Color calibration for lifelike color accuracy. The vivo X300 Series integrates full-range luminance eye protection technology, while the vivo X300 Pro adds Circular Polarizer 2.0 to further reduce harmful blue light exposure and improve long-term comfort.

A new standard in smartphone photography

The vivo X300 Series marks a bold step forward for mobile imaging in the Philippines. With its advanced telephoto system, intelligent software enhancements, creator ecosystem, and elevated battery and performance experience, this series sets a new standard for what a premium flagship smartphone can achieve.

For users ready to move beyond ordinary photography and unlock a new chapter in mobile creativity, the Telephoto King is finally here.

‘This is bold. This is breakthrough. This is the vivo X300 Series,’ Bascon shared.

House of Representatives Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Marcos has assured the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) that he is ready to cooperate with the body regarding its investigation on flood control project anomalies, saying that he is ready to appear anytime.

Rep. Marcos, in a letter to ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. dated November 26, said he supports the body’s ‘efforts to uncover the truth’ behind the country’s infrastructure woes.

Former Ako-Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co, who was chairperson of the House committee on appropriations during the bulk of the 19th Congress, in a video statement released Tuesday and Wednesday, linked Rep. Marcos to the insertion mess for the 2025 national budget ‘I extend my full respect to the work of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure and its efforts to uncover the truth behind the ongoing investigation on flood control projects,’ Rep. Marcos said in the letter released by his office Thursday.

‘Let me state this clearly and without hesitation: I am willing to appear before the Commission at any time. I welcome the opportunity to shed light on any matter that may assist your review,’ he added.

The House official appealed to Reyes to inform his office of the schedule that ICI may deem appropriate for his appearance.

‘I stand ready to cooperate, answer questions, and provide any clarification needed to move this investigation forward. Please inform my office of the schedule you deem appropriate. You have my commitment that I will be there,’ he said.

Alleged insertions

Co claimed that Rep. Marcos made insertions when budget discussions reached the bicameral conference committee stage.

According to the former lawmaker, Marcos, who was senior deputy majority leader in the 19th Congress, inserted at least P50 billion in the past three years.

Sandro refutes Co allegations

Rep. Marcos, son of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., disputed Co’s claims on Tuesday, saying that it appears the former lawmaker has decided that his way out of accountability for the budget issues is to bring down the current administration.

The younger Marcos claimed that intelligence reports state that Co is working with people who are destabilizing the government.READ: Sandro Marcos disputes Co, says ex-solon struck deal with destabilizers

‘Anyone can sit in front of a camera from abroad and spew lies. The statements from the newly crowned champion of the DDS cabal, former Congressman Zaldy Co, are frankly as fantastical as they are false. I hope that the public can be reminded that we are talking of a person with no credibility, whose vested interests are to release these videos to destabilize the government,’ Rep. Marcos said.

‘Evidently, the only path he sees for himself is one where he stirs political chaos in the hope of escaping his own legal troubles. He wants to bring down the current administration so that he can be absolved of his crimes. In fact, the intel suggests he already struck a deal with those who stand to benefit from such a change,’ he added.

Charges recommended

Over the past two months, the ICI has been busy investigating the involvement of various lawmakers in ghost or anomalous flood control projects.

On Wednesday, ICI recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman the filing of criminal and administrative cases against former and incumbent lawmakers who have links with companies that were awarded government contracts: former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co (FS Co. Builders Supply)

Construction Workers Solidarity party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola (Newington Builders, Inc., Lourel Development Corporation, S-Ang General Construction and Trading Inc.)

Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James Ang Jr. (IBC International Builders Corporation, Allencon Development Corporation

Pusong Pinoy party-list Rep. Jernie Nisay (JVN Construction and Trading)

Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Augustina Pancho (C.M. Pancho Construction Inc.)

Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara (JLL Pulsar Construction)

Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas (Boometrix Development Corp.)

Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Rivera (Tarlac 3-G Construction and Development Corporation)