Marcos vs. Marcos: Accountability Amid ‘Budol’ Claims Igniting Political Firestorm

Marcos vs. Marcos: Accountability Amid ‘Budol’ Claims Igniting Political Firestorm

By  Bing Jabadan –  TheNATIONWEEK.com | July 29, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the Office of the Ombudsman will file multiple cases against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, his cousin, in connection with an extensive flood control investigation. This declaration, made during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, 2026, ignited a sharp response from his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, who dismissed the imminent charges as a “budol” (deception).

During his address to a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, President Marcos underscored his commitment to public service, stating, “I am not the President of my family. I am not the President of my friends. I am the President of the Philippines, and my duty is to you: my fellow Filipinos.” He acknowledged the personal difficulty of the decision but emphasized his primary responsibility to uphold the law and serve the Filipino people.

“We have reached a point where, according to the Ombudsman, the filing of multiple cases against the former Speaker is imminent,” President Marcos stated, adding, “While this is painful for me, we must do what is right.” He alluded to his previous strong condemnation of corruption in flood control projects, noting, “A year has passed since I last stood here to expose the corruption we discovered… As I promised, we conducted a wide-ranging and in-depth investigation, without prejudice to anyone. We meticulously examined and followed where the evidence led us.”

The prosecution of these cases has been entrusted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the strengthened National Prosecution Service, with President Marcos expressing confidence in the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice. He also stressed the necessity of institutional reforms to prevent future recurrences and credited public vigilance through the “Isumbong sa Pangulo” platform as vital to the government’s anti-corruption campaign.

Senator Imee Marcos Dismisses Claims as “Budol” (Deception)

Senator Imee Marcos, who notably skipped her brother’s SONA, launched a scathing critique of the President’s announcement. In a statement, she labeled the impending cases against Romualdez as “yet another deception.” She had previously expressed dismay over charges filed against Senate minority members and questioned the perceived acceleration of cases against administration critics compared to allies. The senator also referenced the President’s “Mahiya naman kayo” (Have some shame) remark directed at those involved in anomalous flood control projects, asking, “What happened to ‘Have some shame’ when those who have no shame remain safe?”

Explosive Allegations from Former Congressman Elizaldy Co

Further escalating the controversy are explosive allegations from former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co. In a series of social media videos uploaded on November 14 and 15, 2025, Co claimed that President Marcos Jr. received P25 billion in kickbacks – a quarter of P100 billion in alleged insertions for public works in the 2025 national budget. Co asserted that he personally delivered suitcases of cash to Malacañang and Romualdez’s residences.

Co stated that he was informed by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in late 2024 that the President desired P100 billion inserted for flood control and other infrastructure, a claim he said was confirmed by then-Speaker Romualdez and Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin. He further detailed that the “SOP” (standard operating procedure), or kickback, for the Office of the President was 25 percent. While Co provided images of numerous suitcases with purported delivery dates spanning from January 2024 to May 2025, some predating the 2025 budget process, he did not specify Romualdez’s alleged share or the exact number of deliveries.

Romualdez Maintains Innocence, Challenges Ombudsman

Former Speaker Martin Romualdez, who stepped down amid the burgeoning flood control corruption scandal, categorically rejected Co’s allegations, stating his conscience “remains clear.” He emphasized that “no public official, contractor, or witness has pointed to any wrongdoing on my part” throughout the inquiries. In response to Senator Imee Marcos’s “bluff” remarks, Romualdez reiterated his respect for official statements, maintained his innocence regarding the flood control controversy, and expressed readiness to prove it without seeking special treatment.

Co, for his part, directly challenged Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate both President Marcos and Romualdez, “if he was truly serious about his promise” to tackle everyone involved in the scandal. Co highlighted Romualdez’s fraternity ties with Remulla at the University of the Philippines, urging the Ombudsman to “prove his pronouncement that he will investigate his fraternity brod and his friend.” He also called for a Senate investigation into the alleged P100-billion budget insertion, expressing skepticism about the Ombudsman’s willingness to pursue the matter.

Co himself has been implicated in the scandal through Sunwest Inc., a construction company he co-founded. While he claims to have divested, he and his family are believed to retain beneficial interests. The Ombudsman has already filed a case in the Sandiganbayan against Co and others for alleged substandard construction and overpayment in a P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Public Reaction: A Call for Deeper Accountability

Public reaction to President Marcos’s SONA has been mixed. While some Filipinos praised the speech as a “brilliant script and beautiful screenplay,” attributing it to a “creative mythomanist,” others expressed a desire for a stronger commitment to accountability. One online post suggested the speech would have been “even more powerful if he included in his speech the line ‘I would spare no one, including myself in the investigation.'” An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) noted the President’s silence on crucial issues like wage increases and political dynasty bills, highlighting a perceived gap between the administration’s stated goals and the concerns of ordinary citizens. The unfolding events underscore a deeply entrenched political drama, with calls for transparency and genuine accountability echoing across the nation.

*         *         *

Influence the Influential. Power Truth. TheNATIONWEEK.com

More than news: we are a defining force in independent journalism, delivering rigorous, unbiased reporting to an engaged, opinion-shaping audience that values integrity. Partner with us to align your brand with trust, reach discerning leaders, and amplify your impact. Your message. Our mission. Unrivaled engagement. Email nationweek@yahoo.com today.