Tiangco praised for integrity after exposing budget controversy

Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco received praise for his integrity after exposing circumstances surrounding the controversial budget transactions involving Leyte Rep. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Tiangco was cited by former Philippine representative to Taiwan and veteran political strategist Lito Banayo, who described the lawmaker as a revelation and far removed from the usual trapo (traditional politicians) long associated with Philippine politics.

“Toby Tiangco is a revelation. Not the usual trapo that we have come to regard all legislators, save for a minuscule few. So candid, so refreshing. And so honest,” Banayo said.

Banayo highlighted Tiangco’s disclosure that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allegedly berated Romualdez, his first cousin, for diverting portions of unprogrammed funds to projects favored by Romualdez and then Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

Tiangco earlier said Romualdez had promised the President that the funds would be restored during the bicameral conference committee, but this did not materialize.

Tiangco added that Romualdez took advantage of Marcos’ kindness by failing to heed the President’s order. “The problem is that the impression to the President is his kindness.”

Banayo said Malacañang would have difficulty debunking Tiangco’s claims, adding that he believes the lawmaker was telling the truth.

“I believe him. I am sure many, many more believe honest Toby,” he said.

Tiangco also previously disclosed that survey results ahead of the 2025 senatorial elections showed Romualdez as a major factor behind the decline in President Marcos’ approval ratings.

He said the survey indicated that Romualdez was the root cause of the drop in the President’s ratings, although Romualdez was allegedly unaware of this.