Senator Gatchalian Questions Zaldy Co's Accusation: A Budgetary Conundrum
In a shocking turn of events, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has cast doubt on the explosive claim made by former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co. Co's allegation suggests that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. secretly inserted a staggering P100-billion into the 2025 General Appropriations Act, but Senator Gatchalian argues that the logic behind this accusation simply doesn't hold up.
But here's where it gets controversial: Gatchalian, the Senate finance panel chairperson, expressed his confusion over Co's revelation. He pointed out that the President's budget, known as the National Expenditure Program, typically includes the President's priorities at the very start of the process, not as last-minute additions. This raises the question: Why would the President insert small-scale projects in various areas at the end, potentially disrupting the entire budget?
Gatchalian's scrutiny didn't stop there. He personally examined the projects Co mentioned and found some listed for his own hometown, Valenzuela. These projects, he noted, were not major highways but rather secondary roads, which made the allegation even more perplexing. Adding to the intrigue, Gatchalian revealed that some of the projects on Co's list had been vetoed by President Marcos in 2025, leaving the senator to wonder why the President would veto his own insertions.
And this is the part most people miss: Co's statement, according to Gatchalian, raises more questions than it answers. The senator's skepticism is further fueled by Co's recent implication in alleged irregular infrastructure projects in Bulacan, where he is accused of budget manipulations totaling P35 billion from 2022 to 2025.
As the controversy unfolds, one can't help but ponder: Is this a case of a disgruntled former representative seeking attention, or is there a deeper truth waiting to be uncovered? The public awaits further developments, and the comments section is sure to be abuzz with varying opinions.
