Lawmaker Claims Evidence Implicates Marcos in Flood Fund Mess

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (Photo courtesy: PIA)

Lawmaker Claims Evidence Implicates Marcos in Flood Fund Mess

By Wilma Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 13, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A political earthquake has rocked the House of Representatives as ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio presented what he claims is irrefutable evidence linking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to a multi-billion-peso kickback scheme involving funds allocated for flood control projects.

The allegations, centered on “communication records” between the President and Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, have reignited calls for accountability and cast a shadow of doubt over the Marcos administration.

Tinio, a staunch advocate for the impeachment complaint filed against Marcos by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), alleged that Bersamin, former head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, acted as Marcos’ “personal runner, messenger, and bagman” in the alleged illicit operation.

He insisted that the records directly contradict the House justice committee’s previous dismissal of the impeachment complaint due to a perceived lack of merit.

“The impeachment complaint is supported by substantial documentary evidence and sworn statements,” Tinio said, challenging the House’s decision.

At a press briefing, Tinio claimed he had reviewed “communication records” purportedly exchanged between Marcos and Bersamin from December 2024 to July 2025.

These records, he alleged, detail the President’s direct knowledge and involvement in the alleged kickback scheme.

Tinio presented at a hearing a message dated March 24, 2025, allegedly from Bersamin, indicating a delivery of P8 billion from former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

The President allegedly acknowledged the message: “Complete na po ang 7.122 delivery sa akin… Tapusin ko po computation today.” (The 7.122 delivery to me is now complete… I will finish the computation today.)

Another communication, dated July 10, 2025, allegedly shows Bersamin reporting a P2-billion delivery for the President at his Narra residence in Forbes Park.

The President’s alleged response: “Sasabihan ko si Jun Baris.” (I will tell Jun Baris.)

The exchange reportedly occurred just days before the President addressed Congress.

“Who should be ashamed now?” Tinio asked.

He further revealed that Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has copies of the communications, reviewed by Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice.

Tinio claimed an official from a local government unit close to the Bersamin family also possesses corroborating evidence.

“There is compelling evidence that the President was fully aware of the corruption, actively participated in it, and received kickbacks,” Tinio stressed.

Senate Inquiry Urged

Erice is reportedly urging the Senate to launch its own independent investigation into the alleged text exchanges between Marcos and Bersamin, bypassing the House, which is perceived by some as closely aligned with the President.

Adding another layer of complexity, Leviste claimed that allies of the administration pressured him to travel and suppress the release of evidence related to the flood controversy.

He characterized the situation as “just the tip of the iceberg,” hinting at further potential revelations.

Palace Dismisses Allegations

Malacañang has denied the allegations.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed the claims, saying, “It is not unusual for those wanting to oust the President to embroil him in controversy.”

“The accusations against him are baseless,” Castro added.

Leviste has urged the public to scrutinize the statements made by Tinio and Erice regarding the alleged communications, suggesting a need for critical analysis of the unfolding situation.

Erice confirmed that Leviste showed him the alleged text messages exchanged between Marcos and Bersamin.

He added that Bersamin was reportedly preparing an affidavit at his home in Batangas, fearing he might become a scapegoat.

Leviste said he possesses CCTV footage of lawyers arriving at his residence.

Impeachment Dismissal Sparks Outrage

Despite the mounting evidence presented by Tinio and others, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly (284-8-4) to dismiss the two impeachment complaints against Marcos, citing a lack of sufficient substance.

The decision has been met with outrage from the Makabayan bloc and other activist groups.

“The dismissal of the impeachment complaint does not conclude the pursuit of accountability. It merely reveals a flawed and corrupt political system,” they said.

“The fight for justice will persist—in the streets, in the courts, in public discourse, and in every venue where the people’s voice can be heard,” Tinio said as he signaled a long battle ahead.

The Makabayan bloc has called on Filipinos to join a rally on Feb. 25, the anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution, to demand accountability from Marcos and his administration.

“We will not allow the Marcoses to evade accountability again. We will not permit corruption and impunity to overshadow the people’s demand for truth and justice,” it said, setting the stage for a potential large-scale protest.