Facts Not Feelings

22/10/2025

Trillanes: Magalong all talk, no proof on corruption claims

FORMER Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has dismissed Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s remarks on corruption as mere motherhood statements, saying the local chief executive continues to posture as an anti-graft crusader without presenting a shred of evidence.

In a television interview, Trillanes was asked to comment on Magalong’s remark that he has yet to file a complaint over the alleged rock netting scam in Benguet because the investigation is still ongoing.

“Somebody who’s posturing as an anti-corruption crusader, wala pa nga siyang napa-file na kaso eh, di ba? He was just pure posturing lang. Motherhood statement na parang meron na siyang ebidensyang nakuha. Wala siyang ebidensya nakuha ‘di ba? O ano ngayon ang sinasabi niya?” Trillanes said.

Trillanes said that while anti-corruption efforts should be welcomed, public officials must ensure that their accusations are backed by facts and documentation before making them public.

“Sinabi niya sa akin noong 2022 when we had a conversation kung sino ‘yung nasa likod nung rock netting scam. Bakit hindi niya masabi ngayon?” Trillanes said.

Magalong earlier said he was still waiting for the results of the ongoing probe before taking formal action on the alleged irregularities involving the Benguet rock netting project.

Trillanes said that if Mayor Magalong was linking anyone to corruption, he should back it up with evidence and file the proper charges.

“What good is he in all these issues na lumalabas ngayon di ba? May nasabi na ba siyang pangalan? Kung may nasabi siyang pangalan asan ‘yung ebidensya mo? Kung meron kang ebidensya bakit hindi mo ifinile?” Trillanes asked.

“Ako, that’s what I did. Hindi ako huminto sa, ano lang, press release, press con, dumeretso ako sa kaso at ngayon ito na ngayon,” Trillanes said. “Kaya nga nakulong si Duterte dahil talagang nagkalap tayo ng mga ebidensya at mga testigo, ‘di ba? Ganun lang ‘yun.”

21/10/2025

DS Ortega welcomes MBC call for due process for all, including former Speaker Romualdez in flood control probe

DEPUTY Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union on Tuesday welcomed the statement of Makati Business Club (MBC) Executive Director Apa Ongpin, saying he echoed the public’s call for fairness and due process in the ongoing probe on alleged flood control anomalies.

Ortega lauded Ongpin’s remarks, saying they reflect the same principles of transparency and accountability being advanced by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and by former Speaker Romualdez himself, who has consistently cooperated with the inquiry.

Deputy Speaker Ortega said, ‘We welcome Mr. Ongpin’s statement as a reminder that justice must never be selective. The process must be based on facts, not political color or pressure,” Ortega said.

Ongpin said that like anyone else, former Speaker Romualdez deserves due process and a fair, independent investigation.

He also stressed that investigators must act free from political interference and ensure all those accused are given the chance to defend themselves properly.

Ortega emphasized that former Speaker Romualdez had already demonstrated integrity by stepping down as Speaker last month to ensure “full accountability and transparency” amid the ongoing investigation.

“We’ve seen the former Speaker face these issues squarely. He has cooperated with investigators and remains committed to the truth. That’s the kind of leadership the public deserves to see,” Ortega added.

The La Union House leader reiterated that due process is the cornerstone of justice, saying the government’s credibility in its anti-corruption drive depends on impartial investigations.

“Let’s allow the truth to come out through proper process,” Ortega said. “That’s how we uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of our institutions.”

20/10/2025

20/10/2025

₱156-M OVP fund cut redirected to aid poor patients — Chairperson Suansing

HOUSE Committee on Appropriations chairperson and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mika Suansing on Monday said the ₱156 million slashed from the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has been rechanneled to the Department of Health (DOH) following VP Sara Duterte’s continued non-appearance during House budget deliberations to defend her department’s allocation.

After the ₱156-million cut from Malacanañang’s proposed-National Expenditure Program (NEP) ₱902-million, the OVP’s budget is now ₱746-million.

The House of Representatives made the budget cut with assurance that salaries and benefits of OVP’s personnel will not be affected.

During Monday’s press conference, Suansing explained that the amount will boost the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program to help more Filipinos in need of medical support under the ₱6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading Monday last week.

Suansing said the amount was taken from the OVP’s proposed allocation for financial assistance and subsidy.

“The budget for financial assistance should be lodged in the different agencies like DSWD, DOH, or DOLE. So yun po yung ginawa natin binatak po natin yun at lahat po yun napunta po sa MAIFIP,” Suansing said.

Suansing clarified that the funds intended for the salary increase of OVP personnel were not affected by the realignment.

“Pangalawa po na kondisyon ko na kung makakaltasan man ang OVP kailangan po yung pondo na matitira sa Office of the Vice President sapat para maipagpatuloy nila na magampanan ang mandato ng opisina and with that po even with the reduction tumaas pa rin po yung kanilang supplies expense, tumaas pa rin po yung kanilang rent expense, yung operational expense nila tumaas pa rin po,” she added.

Under the 2025 national budget, the OVP received an allocation of ₱733 million.

It was Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima who moved to reduce the Office of the Vice President’s allocation from P902-million

De Lima denounced Duterte’s repeated absence from the House deliberations on her office’s proposed 2026 budget, calling it a “grave insult and disrespect” to Congress and the Constitution.

During plenary deliberations, De Lima raised a parliamentary inquiry and sought clarification from Palawan Rep. Pepito Alvarez, sponsor of the Office ofthe Vice President’s (OVP) budget.

“Did I hear it right that there is no one present from the Office of the Vice President right now in these proceedings?” she asked.

“Affirmative, Mr. Speaker,” Alvarez replied.

De Lima noted that this was already the third scheduled hearing on the OVP budget, which Duterte again did not attend. She also cited the Vice President’s letter dated September 30, 2025, setting two conditions for her appearance — that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must also be present for his office’s budget hearing, and that the immigration lookout bulletin against seven OVP officials be lifted.

“Does the committee have the intention to respond to this letter of the Vice President?” De Lima pressed.

Alvarez answered: “Mr. Speaker, the committee will no longer respond to this letter, being the last day today.”

De Lima welcomed the committee’s stance but condemned Duterte’s non-appearance. “This actuation of the part of the Vice President is very appalling. Her repeated non-appearance before theBody shows insult, grave insult and disrespect to this Institution,” she said.

“If she cannot respect us—the Members of the House of Representatives—at least respect the House ofRepresentatives as an Institution, at least respect theConstitution of the Republic of the Philippines,” she added.

De Lima stressed that the budget process is a constitutional mandate, saying: “So disrespecting thebudgetary process of this Body is a clear case ofdisrespect of our Constitution.”

She contrasted Duterte’s attendance at Senate events with her refusal to face House scrutiny. “If she can afford to be showing herself up to the Senate, including being there and applauding the former Senate President in his privilege speech, which is definitely not part of her mandate as a Vice President, why can’t she not spare a few moments of her time attending to her official function as Vice President to defend the budget of her office,” De Lima said.

“Enough is enough! Enough of her brattiness!” she declared.

The lawmaker announced she will push for cuts in theOVP’s budget. “I actually intended initially to move for zero budget or for the disapproval of the budget ofthe Office of the Vice President… But after some reflections, and out of courtesy also and consideration to the personnel and staff of the Office of the Vice President, I’m just now thinking of moving for the decrease, let’s say, for the retention of theMOOE and personnel services budget and get rid ofthe operational budget of the Office of the Vice President,” she said.

De Lima vowed to make the formal motion during theperiod of amendments. “And I hope that my colleagues will join me in that motion or in that amendment,” she added.

19/10/2025

Ortega hits back at Pulong: ‘Fake quote, fake issue’

DEPUTY Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union on Friday denied issuing any latest statement against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, describing as “fabricated and malicious” the alleged online post that Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte had cited in his remarks.

“It has come to my attention that a fabricated statement, falsely attributed to me, is circulating online,” Ortega said. “I want to clarify that I have not issued any recent statement—official or otherwise—regarding former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at any event.”

Ortega was reacting to Pulong Duterte’s claim that he was allegedly diverting attention from the ongoing flood control controversy by hitting the former president.

The La Union House leader said such accusation was clearly based on inaccurate information.

“In recent weeks, I have repeatedly been made the subject of fake news and fabricated posts intended to mislead and confuse the public,” Ortega added. “My team is taking steps to trace the sources of these malicious claims and hold them accountable.”

He also called on the public to be “cautious and discerning when reading or sharing information online”, reminding everyone to “rely only on credible news outlets and verified official social media pages for accurate information.”

“Let us remain vigilant against the spread of falsehoods and uphold truth, accountability, and integrity in public discourse,” Ortega said.

The Deputy Speaker emphasized that the focus should remain on facts and transparency in the flood control issue, not on distractions built on lies.

17/10/2025

Lakas-CMD eyes ethics rap vs Barzaga for spreading fake news, baseless claims
Accused of abusing privilege as House member

MEMBERS of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) are eyeing an ethics complaint against Dasmariñas City Rep. Kiko Barzaga for what they called his baseless accusations against fellow lawmakers.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Lakas-CMD eyes ethics rap vs Barzaga for spreading fake news, baseless claims, said Barzaga should stop hurling unfounded charges and instead focus on crafting laws that would benefit not just his district but the entire nation.

“It’s pure nonsense,” Adiong told reporters via Zoom interview, adding that Lakas-CMD holds meetings every break.

Adiong, the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms chairperson, also dismissed as pure fiction Barzaga’s claim that the recent Lakas-CMD meeting at the Manila Golf and Country Club revolved around alleged backroom deals involving Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the Department of Justice (DoJ), and Malacañang.

Adiong also denied Barzaga’s post that a recent meeting of members of the Lakas-CMD at the Manila Golf and Country Club last Tuesday is about Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez serving as a state witness by the Department of Justice, protecting House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, and supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in exchange for protecting former Sen. B**g Revilla, Representatives Jayjay Suarez, Roman Romulo, Adiong, and that Sen. Francis Escudero will be implicated by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos using the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Adiong pointed out that Rep. Roman Romulo isn’t even a member of Lakas-CMD and was nowhere in the meeting.

He added that House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte only attended the gathering to thank party members for their strong support in passing the proposed 2026 national budget.

“I think it’s easy to make all these bold statements but our priority really as a member of House of Representatives, your primordial concern really is to represent your district, number 2 is to pass legislation, to introduce bills which you think will be helpful to advance the welfare of the people and not busy yourself spreading lies about your colleagues,” Adiong said.

“Your primordial concern is to pass legislation, to protect your district and advance your district, not to… go around spreading lies without even providing any shred of evidence na itong mga ganitong accusations ay… accusations mo allegations mo ay tama,” he stressed.

He said members of the Lakas-CMD “are seriously contemplating filing an ethics complaint kasi medyo yung accusations na ganun, allegations na ganun, it already abused his privilege being a member of the House.”

“Spreading these lies about the members, tarnishing the reputations of those members, especially those members who are not even present during the meeting… Lakas members are seriously contemplating filing an [ethics] complaint,” Adiong added.

“This has to stop, I mean this spreading of lies and bold accusations against members of the House of Representatives without even providing any shred of evidence has really to stop, this kind of behavior, this childish behavior has really to stop,” Adiong asserted.

He also advised Barzaga to “focus more on his district, he should focus on filing, introducing legislation that would help not only his district but the country, because that is his primordial concern.

Adiong said Barzaga’s statement “should not be tolerated, because we’ve been tolerating him for quite some time.”

14/10/2025

Statement of Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on his appearance before the ICI

"I am here to cooperate fully and help uncover the truth. Wala akong itinatago at walang dapat itago. While I was not part of the bicameral conference committee, whatever I know, I will share.

My purpose is to clarify the issues and share whatever information I can that may help the Commission in its work.

I have always believed in transparency and accountability, and that’s why I am here today — to do my part in ensuring that the truth comes out.

I am willing to do anything that will help speed up the investigation, because like every Filipino, I want the truth to be established without delay.

At the end of the day, it is evidence — not political noise or unfounded accusations — that will reveal what really happened. My presence here reflects my commitment to state the truth and not allow politics to prevail."

13/10/2025

DS Puno bares demolition plot vs Romualdez
Calls out scapegoating, urges public to “follow the money” and verify facts

DEPUTY Speaker Ronnie Puno on Monday said there appears to be an orchestrated demolition attempt against former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, describing the timing of recent reports linking the Leyte lawmaker to farm-to-market road (FMR) controversies as “malungkot” and “terribly unfair.”

Puno lamented that the report came out a day before Romualdez’s voluntary appearance before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), hinting at a possible motive to malign the former Speaker.

“But I think malungkot ang timing kasi the former Speaker is going to speak before the Independent Commission tomorrow so parang may konting demolition na nangyayari dito,” he said. “There is scapegoating that is going on, nagtuturuan and then ah people are pointing to other people so that they will be able to escape their responsibility. Ang sa akin lang follow the money, di ba? Anong nangyari sa insertion, sinong may kagagawan nun, pagtapos nun kanino napunta yun.”

“So I think everybody should look at the evidence very carefully and be aware that there is scapegoating going on na maraming mga efforts na sisihin ‘yung mga tao walang kinalaman,” he said. “So again tignan natin anu yung mga insertions, saan napunta yan, at sinong may kasalanan nyan. Instead of diverting into whatever thing that they could come up with to try to smear somebody.”

“Well, you will remember ako ‘yung unang bumanggit ng farm to market roads ‘di ba? Na medyo ikinagalit nung ibang mga opisyal, who felt that we were intruding on their territory,” Puno told reporters in an ambush interview. “Yah, we were the first one to say na merong mga abuses sa farm-to-market roads program.”

He clarified, however, that the Leyte projects being reported were small and legitimate, having passed scrutiny by both the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“With respect to what was said today in the newspapers, particularly in one newspaper, I think, unang-una these were not very big projects,” he said. “Number 2, I think that these things came about because of the DPWH and Department of Agriculture and it even passed the initial scrutiny of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture kasi kung maalala ninyo nagbanggit siya ng mga ghost projects, wala ito doon, nagbanggit siya ng mga substandard wala pa rin ito dun.”

“So I don’t know where that report came from about the Leyte farm to market roads and by the way farm to market road does not only mean rice, it means farm. So kung anuman ang produce in the place, it merits and deserves farm to market road.”

According to Puno, the attacks on Romualdez reflect a “lynch-mob mentality” and an attempt to divert attention from the real culprits behind questionable insertions.

“So there is all of these destructions that are being created and I’m sensing a lynch-mob mentality trying to pin the Speaker alone to all of the things that have happened which is terribly unfair,” he warned.

Puno also criticized the apparent lack of balance in the media coverage, saying that the accused party and relevant officials were not even asked to comment before the story came out.

“Kasi isipin ninyo ma-frontpage ka, the publication that came out is of course one of my main reading material everyday but normally kung merong mga ganyan lalabas ka sa frontpage you will be asked for a reply or to comment,” he said. “I did not see that there was any request from the accused party to reply and number 2, you could have asked the people that are directly involved with it, the district engineer, the provincial agriculturists, nobody bothered to ask them.”

He noted that those directly involved later released statements justifying the projects, but the damage had already been done.
“So humabol pa sila ng mga statements nila justifying the projects ‘di ba? But now hindi na nakalat na ‘yan na there is something wrong even when all the people involved in these things are now saying that there was nothing wrong with these projects.”

Puno urged both the media and the public to be more discerning and to distinguish fact from opinion amid what he described as “negative propaganda.”

“Sana in the coming weeks, months, sana we will be very careful about what we accept as news when there is an allegation let us make sure that these are properly based on real facts not opinion,” he said. “Kasi ang nangyayari ngayon opinion is being presented as fact eh. And I think that is unfair to so many people.”

He reiterated his trust in the ICI process but warned that some individuals who may be implicated could attempt to shift blame to others.

“Buo ‘yung tiwala natin syempre sa ICI pero syempre merong silang mga iniimbitahan na baka makasuhan din na gagawa ng paraan para matutok yung problema sa ibang tao at hindi sa kanila,” Puno said.

Puno concluded by reminding the public to examine evidence carefully and not allow disinformation to cloud judgment. (END)

11/10/2025

Congress must ‘discipline the brat’ — budget cut a lesson for VP Duterte

HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila M. de Lima on Friday delivered one of the sharpest rebukes yet against Vice President Sara Duterte, describing her repeated snub of House budget deliberations as “arrogance” that deserves fiscal discipline — not indulgence.

“Public money is not a toy,” De Lima stressed. “Hindi ito pabuya na pinamimigay sa mga imbentong tao na may imbentong pangalan sa mga imbentong project. It is a trust. And until the Vice President learns respect, this House must act as the parent that disciplines a brat.”

De Lima moved to slash the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) by ₱156 million, calling it a matter of “discipline, not demolition” amid Vice President Sara Duterte’s repeated refusal to face the House during budget deliberations.

House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mika Suansing accepted De Lima’s proposed amendments on the condition that the salary adjustments for personnel of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) would not be affected and that the agency’s final budget would remain adequate to carry out its mandate.

De Lima’s motion was subsequently approved through viva voce voting, although Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab immediately appealed the ruling.

In her individual amendment during the period of amendments for the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), De Lima proposed to bring down the OVP’s allocation from ₱889.24 million to its 2025 level of ₱733.2 million — a 17.5 percent reduction.

“I proposed an amendment to the budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in the form of a reduction from ₱889.24 million to its 2025 level of ₱733.2 million representing a reduction of ₱156 million or 17.5%,” De Lima said, citing House GAB Volume I-A, Page 22, Line 19.

“Every peso in this budget is the people’s money,” she began. “And when we demand accountability, we do so not out of hostility, but out of duty — duty to the Constitution, duty to the people, and duty to the truth.”

The opposition lawmaker minced no words as she blasted Duterte’s continued absence from the House hearings on her office’s budget.

“Let me then again put this on record: VP Sara Duterte’s repeated refusal to face this chamber is an insult. It spits on the duty of accountability, while she clings to millions in public funds she refuses to explain,” De Lima said.

“This is arrogance. Para tayong mga magulang na tinatabig at sinisigawan ng anak na tumatangging magpaliwanag kung saan napunta ang baon,” she added. “Kahangalan ang magsabi na aksidente lamang ito o resulta ng pagkakamali. Malinaw na pangmamaliit ito sa Kongreso at sa taumbayan. Sa madaling salita po: paulit-ulit na tayong binabastos ng Bise Presidente.”

De Lima said Congress, as the “holder of the purse,” must act decisively to uphold accountability.

“Congress holds the purse. And when a child squanders the family’s money without answers, the remedy is clear: bawasan ang baon hanggang matuto,” she said.

The veteran lawmaker clarified that her proposal was not meant to malign Duterte, but to uphold discipline and respect for the legislative process.

“Let me be clear: this reduction is discipline, not demolition,” De Lima explained. “Malayo ito sa ginawa ng kanyang ama na ginamit ang budget para pahirapan ang Commission on Human Rights (CHR)… What we do here is different: we call out entitlement, we confront arrogance, we demand respect.”

Anticipating backlash, De Lima said she was prepared for attempts to politicize her move.

“Alam ko po that this move will generate varied reactions. It might even be exploited by certain camps to elicit sympathy for VP Sara. Dyan naman sila magaling. Kadramahan. Pero hindi pwedeng mangibabaw ang drama sa kung ano ang tama, sa kung ano ang makatwiran, at sa kung ano ang nararapat sa pagtatanggol sa dignidad ng institusyong ito at ng proseso ng pambansang budget,” she said.

“So Madam Speaker, Madam Sponsor, I respectfully but firmly propose the reduction of the budget of the Office of the Vice President from ₱889.24 million to its 2025 level of ₱733.2 million. I so move,” De Lima concluded.

10/10/2025

PCO’s Castro to Magalong: Stop the lies — you quit voluntarily
‘Iwasan ang kuwentong walang ebidensiya’

PALACE Press Officer Claire Castro has called out Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong for twisting the truth and spreading intrigue about his resignation as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), stressing that no one forced him to step down following his alleged non-disclosure that a firm linked to the controversial Discaya family was involved in a P110-million Baguio tennis court and parking building project.

“Huwag po niyang (Magalong) bigyan ng intriga na mayroong nag-utos sa akin na ibang tao. Kaya nga sabi natin, iwasan ang kuwentong walang ebidensiya!” Castro, a Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary, said

“Kung sinuman iyong sinasabi niyang iyon, kung may alam siya kung sino ang nag-utos sa akin at hindi ang Pangulo sa mga sinabi ko noong September 26, ipalitaw niya po dahil alam kong wala siyang mapapalitaw dahil iyon ay walang katotohanan,” Castro added.

Earlier, Magalong clarified that the P110-million project awarded to St. Gerrard Construction Company, a Discaya-owned construction firm, in 2022 “was completed in full compliance with the law.”

Castro said Magalong’s repeated insinuations that her remarks were ordered by someone other than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. were simply untrue.

“Sana po ay napanood niya ng buo iyong ating press briefing. Pero ito pong isyu na ito ay paulit-ulit na at nasagot ko na po, pero hindi ko alam bakit paulit-ulit pa rin at parang hindi po nagkakaroon ng katapusan ang isyu na ito,” Castro said.

The Palace official made it clear that Magalong was not forced out, but quit on his own.

“Unang-una po, hindi ko po saklaw ang kaniyang damdamin. Siya po ang boluntaryong nag-resign, hindi naman po siya pinagre-resign. Kung iyon po ang kaniyang naging desisyon, hindi ko rin po saklaw ang kaniyang pagde-desisyon,” Castro said.

Earlier, House Infrastructure Committee (Infra-Comm) overall chairman Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro Party-list said Magalong has only himself to blame for his current troubles after failing to disclose that the Discaya linked firm was behind the construction of P110 Baguio tennis court and parking building project and for admitting that the city had dealt only with a subcontractor — an arrangement repeatedly flagged as questionable in Congress.

“Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has only himself to blame for his current woes in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI),” Ridon said. “It is the height of hypocrisy for a public official who styles himself as a champion of transparency, accountability, and good governance to reject public scrutiny of projects within his own local government.”

Ridon pointed out that the scrutiny over the ₱110-million Baguio tennis court project was not trivial, as it directly involved the Discayas, a family whose contracting firms have been at the center of flood control controversies.

“The reason for scrutiny of a particular project is not marginal—it is highly relevant, as it involves one of the central personalities in flood control corruption: the Discayas and one of their key firms,” he said. “This directly tests Mayor Magalong’s integrity and commitment to transparency, as he himself, as the city’s Head of Procuring Entity, has engaged a contractor linked to ghost and substandard projects.”

Ridon underscored that Magalong himself confirmed the city had only been transacting with a subcontractor. “Mayor Magalong even admitted today that the city had only been dealing with a subcontractor—precisely the type of anomalous arrangement being flagged in both House and Senate panels as indicative of substandard and questionable projects,” he noted.

The Bicol Saro lawmaker clarified that there was no proof yet of corruption or kickbacks in the project but said the circumstances gave the public every right to ask questions.

“To be clear, there is no allegation at this point that the ₱110-million Baguio City tennis court project is tainted with corruption, or that city officials received kickbacks from the Discayas,” Ridon said. “There is, however, a legitimate allegation that the project may be substandard—giving the public every reason to ask questions. And more importantly, even the loudest champions of good governance should never reject scrutiny of their own projects.”

Ridon said what was most telling was Magalong’s silence on the Discaya involvement despite early disclosures. “The first news report on the tennis court project came out on 20 September 2025. Yet as early as 11 August 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had publicly disclosed the involvement of the Discayas and other flood control contractors. On 2 September 2025, the Discayas themselves admitted control over multiple contracting firms, including St. Gerrard Construction,” Ridon said.

“For more than a month—from the President’s disclosure until the news article’s publication—Mayor Magalong said nothing about this project, all while continuing to speak publicly against corruption,” he added.

“This failure to disclose and his continuing rejection of scrutiny do not speak well of his actual commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance—particularly when it comes to his own affairs,” Ridon stressed.

09/10/2025

Erice hits Escudero: ‘Morally wrong’ to favor Sorsogon in billions of budget allocation

HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader Edgar Erice of Caloocan City has called on former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to explain what he described as questionable multi-billion-peso of budget insertions favoring the senator’s home province Sorsogon, saying such acts go against the principle of fairness in the distribution of government funds.

In an interview with Bilyonaryo TV, Erice said Escudero owes the public an explanation on why his home province allegedly received a disproportionately large share of allocations under the national budget.

“Dapat ipaliwanag ni Sen. Chiz, kasi dapat iyung distribution ng budget, equitable sa buong probinsiya, sa buong Pilipinas,” Erice said.

“Lalo na sa mga probinsiya na pinaka-mahihirap, dapat sila iyung mas malaki ang allocation. Eh bakit Sorsogon ang laki-laki? Bakit? Dahil siya ang Senate President? ‘Yun lang, mali na ‘yun eh — morally wrong na ‘yun eh.”

Erice, who represents the opposition bloc in the House, said the issue is not just about numbers but about moral leadership and accountability, especially for a top government official tasked with ensuring transparency in public spending.

He stressed that equitable allocation must be guided by the needs of the poorest regions, not by political influence.

Reports accused the Senate under Escudero’s leadership of inserting ₱142.7 billion under the proposed ₱6.3-trillion 2025 national budget.

The reports indicated that Sorsogon has between P6 billion to ₱9.1 billion insertions.

Escudero dismissed allegations that he made multi-billion-peso insertions in the 2025 national budget.