Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co has dared Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over the former lawmaker’s allegations regarding the cousins’ involvement in the P100 billion insertions in the 2025 national budget.

Co issued the challenge in the second part of his video statement posted on Saturday.

The former lawmaker broke his months-long silence after being implicated in alleged corruption in flood control projects through a video statement initially posted on Friday.

In the first part of the video, Co alleged that Marcos and Romualdez were the alleged masterminds behind the P100 billion in the 2025 national budget. Co then published a list of proposed projects that Marcos, through Romualdez, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Adrian Bersamin, requested to be inserted into the bicameral conference committee level.

Co then claimed that after the approval of the budget, he asked the Department of Public Works and Highways how much of the P100 billion insertion should be given to the Office of the President.

‘What they told me is 25 percent. It means that 25 percent of the P100 billion is the SOP that should be given to BBM. In total, P25 billion went to President Bongbong Marcos,’ Co said in the second part of the video statement.

With this, Co said that Remulla must stick to his word that he would investigate Romualdez if the former provided evidence.

‘He should now prove his statement that he will investigate his fraternity brother and his friend, Speaker Martin Romualdez, if he truly intends to fulfill his duty,’ Co dared.

‘He must also investigate President Bongbong Marcos. Like what BBM said last Sona, ‘let’s do it right and have some shame,’ right?’ Co added.

Remulla recently said that among the high-ranking officials being subjected to ongoing investigations for directly facilitating or turning a blind eye to the corruption in government infrastructure works are Romualdez, Co, and former Senate President Francis Escudero.

Remulla noted that while examining cases involving Co, there was a pattern of the latter’s coordination with some senators in crafting the final version of the national budget. Meanwhile, Remulla said that Romualdez was ‘responsible’ for appointing Co as the chairperson of the House committee on appropriations in the 19th Congress from 2022 to 2025.

Co also called on the Senate to investigate the alleged P100-billion budget insertion directed by Marcos.

‘I know that Ombudsman Remulla will not heed my challenge, but the Senate is doing a great job in investigating, and I believe that because of them, the truth will come out,’ Co added.

A lawyer has filed graft and other criminal complaints against Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero and several officials of Sorsogon province at the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged financial irregularities involving more than P352 million.

This ‘systematic corruption’ happened during Escudero’s term as provincial governor (2019 to 2022) and was also flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) in a 2021 report, according to the complaint filed on Friday by Eldrige Marvin Aceron.

Also named respondents in the complaint are members of the provincial government’s bids and awards committee: acting provincial accountant Rena Garcia; a general services officer named identified only as Rosalina; and the provincial treasurer who was not named in the document.

Questionable transactions

Aceron sued them for graft, technical malversation, fraud against the public treasury, falsification of public documents.

There was no immediate comment from Escudero regarding the complaint.

Aceron cited the following transactions or expenses earlier reported by COA involving public funds totaling P352,679,063:

Contracts for ‘overlapping’ and ‘physically impossible’ infrastructure projects that were awarded to contractors using the personnel and equipment, all worth P125.7 million.

Projects involving P15.47 million that went unimplemented for six years, including P10 million earmarked for typhoon relief

Janitorial and laundry contracts, worth P8.44 million, that were supported by falsified documents, conflicting notarizations, and fabricated client references

Tupad (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) disbursements found to have spurious signatures, missing authorizations, and improper implementation, amounting to P1.65 million

Development projects worth P5.65 million that were ‘improperly’ charged to the province’s development fund as they were not included in the approved procurement plan.

Property, plant, and equipment accounts, including ‘ghost assets’ and demolished structures that remained recorded in government books, totaling P195.74 million.

‘Deliberate acts’

‘These are not mere accounting errors. These are deliberate acts that robbed the children of Sorsogon of their future. While families struggled through the pandemic, public funds were diverted, mishandled, or left to rot in government accounts,’ Aceron said in a statement he issued during his filing.

‘Moreover, 2021 is not an isolated year of malfeasance. The COA reports for 2022 and 2023 reveal the same pattern-qualified opinions on the province’s financial statements that persist to this very day,’ he added.

The complaint was filed a month after Aceron lodged an ethics case against Escudero at the Senate over alleged illegal campaign donations.

In his statement on Friday, Aceron said he had not met Escudero personally and had no ax to grind against the senator.

‘It’s my personal fight, but I am not alone. I have at least 370 people with me, and we will do this. We will continue doing this until we get some justice. He’s the senator with many anomalies. So we are filing charges against him,’ he said.

As much as Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone is frustrated with Converge’s garbage-time basket on Friday, he also made sure that Juan Gomez de Liano and his team would get their plaudits.

‘[Gomez de Liano] looked like he’s the best player in the league,’ Cone said after the Gin Kings had no answer for Gomez de Liano’s huge night in the 106-96 FiberXers triumph at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Gomez de Liano fired 32 points after missing just three of his 16 attempts in a performance that highlighted Converge’s mastery of the crowd favorites.

He also had six rebounds and six assists that enabled Converge to finally score a win against one of the perennial heavyweights in the league, a status the FiberXers hope to reach one day.

The FiberXers improved to 5-2 going into the three-week break due to the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers while the Gin Kings fell to 2-4.

But Cone also noted that Gomez de Liano wasn’t the sole reason for the Converge victory as Schonny Winston and twin towers Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar came through as well.

‘Gotta give credit to them. They are a really good young team. They put it all together tonight,’ said Cone. ‘They were greatly complimented by the two bigs as well. I thought they did a great job.’

For over 15 years, Nuvali has been a benchmark for integrated, eco-conscious development in Southern Luzon. Spanning more than 2,400 hectares, the estate continues to evolve as a thriving community where neighborhoods, green landscapes, and open spaces coexist with purposeful urban growth.

Now, Nuvali moves toward its new age-an exciting phase defined by greater connectivity, strategic infrastructure, and a stronger regional presence.

A connected future for the South

Southern Luzon’s infrastructure network is rapidly transforming, and Nuvali is positioned right at the heart of it.

Beyond existing links through SLEx and Calax, upcoming projects such as the Casile-Tagaytay Road and Carmona-Binan Link Road will further strengthen access between Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, and Tagaytay.

These new connections will make travel smoother and faster, linking Nuvali to key destinations across Calabarzon Region and enhancing its role as a central point of convergence for business and leisure.

Expanding horizons

Across its expanse, Nuvali continues to grow around distinct lifestyle and business clusters that bring people together through work, recreation, and community life. Future developments are envisioned to deepen this integration, combining open spaces, commercial activity, and civic destinations that reflect Ayala Land’s commitment to balanced, sustainable growth.

A network of parks, walkways, and green corridors ensures connectivity within, while smart estate systems-including fiber connectivity and 24/7 management-lay the foundation for a modern and efficient environment.

Shaping the South’s next hub

With over 32 residential developments, 13,000 residents, and three major schools, Nuvali continues to anchor a growing community that drives Southern Luzon’s progress. Surrounded by expanding infrastructure and a dynamic economic landscape, the estate stands ready for its next evolution-a place where nature, enterprise, and community continue to thrive together.

The new age of Nuvali signals more than expansion-it marks a reimagined vision for the South, where every connection, every open space, and every new development moves toward a shared future of growth and balance.

With stronger connections and continuous growth, Nuvali is setting the stage for its next wave of destinations. The planned expansion of Ayala Malls Nuvali will soon bring an elevated retail and leisure experience to the estate, enhancing its role as the South’s center for commerce, lifestyle, and community.

Coming soon: the next chapter of Nuvali’s evolution.

Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) special adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr. will inspect flood control projects in Cebu on Sunday, November 16, amid the commission’s ongoing investigation into anomalous infrastructure projects across the country.

In an advisory sent to reporters on Saturday evening, the ICI said the Cebu sites to be inspected are located in Mandaue City, the municipality of Liloan, Talisay City, and Cebu City.

The commission added that Azurin’s inspection will be conducted in coordination with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar.

On Thursday, Azurin and Bisnar inspected flood control projects at four sites in Ilocos Norte, where they noted that no ‘ghost’ projects were found.

However, the ICI and DPWH officials said they will investigate whether there are ‘substandard’ projects among the flood control sites.

Earlier, Azurin said the ICI is prioritizing its investigation of 80 projects involving the top 15 contractors earlier named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The 80 projects are part of the 421 flood control projects that DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon recently tagged as ‘ghost’ projects.

Far Eastern University capped an undefeated run to the UAAP Season 88 women’s football crown with a 2-0 victory over La Salle on Saturday at UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The Lady Tamaraws secured their fourth straight championship and 14th overall title, cementing their status as the most successful program in the women’s division. FEU is the first team to accomplish a four-peat since La Salle’s run from Seasons 65-68.

‘It’s a good gift for the graduating players,’ said coach Let Dimzon. ‘Even before we went here, they were confident we could win.’

FEU struck early, with Judie Arevalo’s 15th-minute header off a corner kick. Regine Rebosura, a 2025 Fifa Futsal Women’s World Cup national team member, sealed the win in stoppage time with a second goal.

‘This is product of all our hardwork, it’s not about the game-it’s about the sacrifices during training,’ Dimzon said. ‘La Salle gave us a tough fight, but our winning mentality prevailed.’

The Lady Tamaraws finished the season unbeaten, conceding only three goals. Their winning streak now stands at 13 games dating back to Season 87.

This also marks FEU’s second collegiate title in Season 88, following its earlier triumph in women’s athletics.

Several players received individual honors. FEU captain Jonela Albino was named Most Valuable Player, while Rebosura and Jessa May Lehayan earned Best Midfielder and Best Goalkeeper. Arevalo took the Golden Boot with eight goals.

From La Salle, Elisha Lubiano and Jodie Banzon were named Best Defender and Rookie of the Year. Ateneo’s Jada Bicierro won Best Striker, while the Blue Eagles also received the Fair Play Award and claimed bronze, their first podium finish since Season 79.

Ismael Romero didn’t just fuel Meralco to a 92-74 win over Macau in the East Asia Super League (EASL) on Saturday night here at Cebu Coliseum, he also broke a record in doing so.

Romero’s monster double-double of 25 points and 28 rebounds officially broke the single-game group stage record for most rebounds snagged by a player since John Mooney in 2023.

‘Somebody getting 28 rebounds doesn’t happen very often in basketball,’ coach Nenad Vucinic said.

‘He was dominating the boards, he was playing well defensively too. Ismael was big for us, definitely. He controlled the ball under the basket.’

Mooney set the record with a double-double of 22 points and 22 rebounds when his Chiba Jets trampled the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters, 102-69.

Coincidentally, the only player who tied that number in recent history was Akil Mitchell, who played import for Meralco last year.

Mitchell dropped 33 points and 22 rebounds to fuel the Bolts to an 81-80 win over the Busan KCC Egis last year.

Romero’s bruising performance helped the Bolts cruise to their second straight win for a 2-2 record in Group B.

‘Macau is a bit undersized and that helped him as well. Of course, our poor shooting from the three-point line helped him get some offensive rebounds as well,’ Vucinic added in jest.

Ahead of a weekend rally by the Iglesia ni Cristo and another group, Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday warned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration against intimidating its critics with sedition charges.

‘Inciting to sedition is what they’re using as a threat, and what I want to say is that the administration shouldn’t be too thin-skinned, because dissent is an essential aspect of democracy and good governance, and you cannot suppress it,’ the vice president told reporters during a gathering at the Office of the Vice President celebrating its 90th founding anniversary.

‘You cannot just suppress people because it is the right of every person to speak about what’s been boggling their minds. If it’s not in favor of the administration or the entire government, they should respect that,’ said Duterte, whose father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, had also been criticized for cracking down on dissent.

The vice president was referring to the sedition charges filed against Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga, a supporter of the Dutertes who was among those who led a protest rally outside Forbes Park, on Oct. 12.

‘Like I said, the administration should not be onion-skinned just because the people are exercising their rights and fighting for democracy and good governance,’ said the Vice President, who herself has been charged with sedition and grave threat after her online remarks last year threatening the lives of President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Duterte said she’s only waiting for the administration to send her to jail.

‘I’m just waiting on when they will put me behind bars,’ she said. ‘But apparently, until now, they still can’t build their strategy yet on how they will jail me because they have no substantial evidence that would pin me on their allegations.’ -With a report from Zacarian Sarao

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. got P25 billion as ‘SOP’ or kickbacks from his requested P100 billion in insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co said in the second part of his bombshell video detailing graft in the spending law.

In Part 2 of his video uploaded on Facebook Saturday morning, Co walked back his earlier denial of his ex-aide Orly Guteza’s testimony before the Senate blue ribbon committee about delivering bags of cold cash to former Speaker Martin Romualdez’s residence in Forbes Park in Makati City and on Aguado Street at the Malacañang compound in Manila.

This time, however, Co claimed the deliveries also included Marcos’ residence, and that he himself made the deliveries alongside his executive assistants Paul Estrada and Mark Tecsay.

‘All the insertions went to our president and to Speaker Martin Romualdez,’ Co alleged. ‘I, my staff [and] my security personally delivered this to President Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez’s house in North Forbes Park, South Forbes Park, up to Malacanang itself.’

The former appropriations chair of the 19th Congress also denied getting any money from these dealings, and that the Department of Public Works and Highways told him that Marcos personally got 25 percent as standard operating procedure from the passage of the 2025 GAA.

‘This means P25 billion (from the 2025 budget) went to President Bongbong Marcos,’ Co said.

He challenged Marcos appointee and Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate both Marcos and Romualdez, Remulla’s fraternity brother in Upsilon Sigma Phi, ‘if he was truly serious about his promise’ to sweep everyone involved in the multi-million flood control scandal.

He also urged the Senate to investigate the alleged insertions by the President ‘as I have no faith that the Office of the Ombudsman can do this.’

On Friday, Co broke his silence to accuse Marcos and Romualdez of ordering P100 billion worth of insertions for public works and other programs in the controversial 2025 GAA.

The Palace has since dismissed Co’s allegations as mere hearsay, while Romualdez has yet to address the allegations by his former lieutenant who resigned his post in the House in September after emerging as a central figure in the flood control scandal.

Apart from his alleged involvement in the anomalies in the 2025 GAA, Co is also accused of benefiting from anomalous public works projects through his construction firm Sunwest Inc., one of the top flood control contractors in the country. He has yet to address these allegations.

Once touted as Bohol’s future ‘regional cultural hub,’ the Banat-i Hill project in this city has come to a standstill-its progress derailed by environmental questions, missing permits and public outcry.

The P2.3-billion project, located on the city’s most prominent natural landmark, was envisioned as a sprawling cultural complex featuring theaters, museums and open-air amphitheaters that would elevate Bohol’s artistic and tourism profile.

But four years after its launch, the dream now hangs in limbo. This after the provincial government of Bohol and the city government of Tagbilaran agreed to suspend the continuation of the original Regional Cultural Hub project on Banat-i Hill, citing environmental and sustainability concerns.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday, both local governments reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, environmental responsibility and inclusive cultural development as guiding principles for the hill’s future.

They assured the public that all ongoing and future developments in the area will undergo thorough review and will fully comply with legal, environmental, and technical standards.

Recognizing Banat-i Hill as a vital natural and cultural landmark, the two LGUs said they will work closely with national agencies, technical experts and the local community to balance development goals with environmental protection.

Capacity study

The Tagbilaran government will also conduct a comprehensive carrying capacity study to assess the hill’s ecosystem and guide future land use and development planning.

Officials from the province and the city met on Tuesday with representatives from the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to discuss the project’s status and next steps.

The Regional Cultural Hub-located in Barangay Bool-occupies 5.1791 hectares of land owned by the provincial government. Funded by DPWH Central Visayas (Region 7) and implemented by JA Achacoso Enterprise and General Services, the project envisioned a complex that would include the Rajah Sikatuna Blackbox Theater and Viewing Deck, Mangayaw Museum of Four Provinces, Bisaya Contemporary Arts Gallery, Bohol Arts and Culture Training Center, and the Datu Pagbuaya and Dailisan Grand Open Amphitheater.

First launched in 2021, the project aimed to serve as a regional hub for arts, culture and tourism. Its P134.9-million Phase 1 was completed after delays caused by the absence of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other requirements, which were only secured in 2023.

As early as November 2021, residents of Barangay Bool had expressed concerns over the project’s possible environmental impacts, including flooding and slope instability.

They questioned why construction began despite the lack of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other clearances at the time. Project proponents, however, noted its potential to preserve regional heritage and stimulate local economic growth.

No funding

According to DPWH 7, the project currently has no funding allocation in the 2026 National Expenditure Program or the House General Appropriations Bill. Although lobbying during the bicameral conference remains possible, the project’s continuation would still depend on presidential approval.

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, 1st district Rep. John Geesnell ‘Baba’ Yap, Mayor Jane Yap and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts have since reached a consensus not to proceed with the original plan, citing environmental and safety concerns.

Representative Yap also confirmed that he excluded the project from the 2026 congressional budget due to its potential environmental impact.

Since public funds were already used for Phase 1, the provincial government plans to redesign the existing structure into a climate-responsive, low-impact facility. The proposed concept includes a public viewing and cultural deck or open-air amphitheater that offers panoramic views of Tagbilaran City, Dauis and Panglao. The redesigned development will be open, inclusive and community-oriented, pending approval from relevant agencies.

Officials also confirmed that several other developments have been proposed in the area, including the Hall of Justice the Rose Ligason Subdivision, both of which still have no permits; and a religious structure by the Diocese of Tagbilaran (with a valid building permit until December 2025).

Authorities clarified the project followed due process-the property is legally owned by the province and classified as Alienable and Disposable land since 1927, with a certified ECC issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

But Mayor Yap appealed for the project’s temporary suspension, stressing the need to prioritize public safety and environmental protection in light of recent disasters caused by successive Typhoons ‘Tino’ (Kalmaegi) and ‘Uwan’ (Fung-wong). She said lessons must be drawn from flooding and slope failures experienced in nearby provinces.

The city government also plans to declare Banat-i Hill and Elley Hill in Barangays Manga, Tiptip and Ubujan as urban biodiversity zones through a local ordinance or congressional measure. The proposal aims to ensure balanced, responsible and sustainable urban growth in Tagbilaran City