Renee Co slams Marcos over flood control probe; Ortega defends evidence-based approach

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s report on the ongoing investigation into the flood control scandal — and his insistence that the probe be anchored on evidence rather than speculation — lawmakers expressed contrasting reactions.

Kabataan Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Atty. Renee Co voiced strong discontent, arguing that going after “nepobabies” and “small fish” is meaningless if the supposed masterminds remain untouched.

Co did not mince words, urging the President to “look into the mirror” when seeking suspects in the scandal.

“We are tired of chasing after the involved nepobabies and small fish. If you are going to go after someone, you should prioritize the masterminds. Look in the mirror for once. Up until now, does the President still feel innocent and spared from the investigation?” Renee said in Filipino.

She further criticized Malacañang for its “lack of scrutiny” over the P214.4 billion in unprogrammed funds approved for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from 2023 to 2024.

“It wasn’t also explained why he approved the last budgets that’s full of pork (funds). The report has no self-criticism and accountability,” she said.

During his press briefing, the President said he expects arrests to be made before Christmas, adding that many of those named “have no Merry Christmas.”

Co countered that the timeline only benefits those involved. “As time passes, the corrupt and the masterminds are given time to make excuses. Frankly, their December deadline for the cases is the best Christmas gift they could give to those involved. Those fighting corruption were even charged sooner,” she said in Filipino.

Kabataan Party-list is set to join a wide protest on 30 November 2025.

“It’s time to stop the main character script. Marcos, Duterte, and other reigning dynasties should not be marked safe to the fight of the citizens against corruption. In the street, not on the TV screen, the citizens will make the corrupt accountable. No one can escape.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union backed the President’s call for evidence-based investigations.

According to Ortega, this sets the correct tone for all officials named in the inquiry.

“That standard applies to all who are being mentioned in this issue. It is a timely reminder at a moment when accusations are circulating without documents or testimony to support them,” Ortega said.

He added that this principle should also guide public judgment regarding former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Ortega stressed that ICI records show “no paper trail, no transaction, and no testimony” linking Romualdez to the alleged anomalies.

“Former Speaker Romualdez has already faced the ICI under oath. He submitted documents, answered every question, and made himself fully accountable. The agencies handling the review have full access to the records, and none point to his involvement,” Ortega explained.

Romualdez’s alleged ties stemmed from testimony by Orly Guteza, who claimed he delivered “trash” or money to Romualdez and former Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co. However, Guteza was later confirmed to have falsified the signature of the lawyer who supposedly notarized his affidavit.