Senate President Pro Tempore and Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Panfilo Lacson on Friday expressed disbelief over allegations by former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the insertion of ₱100 billion into the bicameral version of the 2025 national budget.
Lacson questioned why such a massive fund would bypass the National Expenditure Program where the president already has control.
He described the alleged insertion at the bicameral stage as illogical given the normal budget process.
Lacson also defended the decision not to invite Co to testify under oath via Zoom, adding that unsworn statements could be misused for propaganda and cannot form the basis of a committee report.
Despite this move, the veteran lawmaker said the committee may allow Co to testify under oath at a Philippine Embassy or consulate, if a formal request is submitted.
Lacson indicated that officials mentioned in the allegations will only be considered with proper documentation and verification.
He warned against relying on hearsay or public statements from unverified sources, which could compromise the investigation.
Testimony from officials like former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo will still be cross-checked with supporting documents for consistency.
