Marcos Vows No Special Treatment in Flood Control Investigation
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has spoken out on the controversy surrounding his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, who were both accused of involvement in alleged corruption related to government flood control projects.
In a press conference on Monday, September 15, 2025, Marcos firmly stated that neither Romualdez nor Co will be exempted from the ongoing investigation. “There’s only one way to do it. They will not be spared,” Marcos declared.
He stressed that the government must prove through action, not just words, that the probe will be fair and impartial, even if it involves powerful figures close to him. “Anybody will say, ‘Ah hindi, wala. Wala tayong kinikilingan. Wala tayong tinutulungan. Wala namang maniniwala sayo hangga’t gawin mo eh,” he added.
The controversy began when Sarah and Curlee Discaya, during a Senate hearing on September 8, accused several lawmakers of receiving kickbacks from contractors handling flood control projects. Curlee Discaya testified that many Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) employees mentioned money deliveries meant for Rep. Co, allegedly amounting to at least 25% of project funds.
He also claimed that Rep. Marvin Rillo repeatedly mentioned Speaker Romualdez’s name, referring to him as a close ally.
Both Romualdez and Co have denied the allegations. Romualdez’s spokesperson, Ace Barbers, dismissed the accusations as hearsay, pointing out that Discaya admitted he never personally transacted with the Speaker. Co denied the allegations, saying there was no clear evidence and that he was being judged without solid proof.
Marcos emphasized that the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will carry out a thorough investigation and that even his allies in Congress will be held accountable. He said the public’s trust depends on seeing that no one is above the law, including his own family members.
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