Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not receive any kickback from the alleged ₱100 billion budget insertion linked to the 2025 national budget. His statement directly counters the claim made by former congressman Zaldy Co, who earlier accused the President of ordering the allocation.
In a recent video, Co alleged the Palace pushed for the inclusion of the ₱100 billion insertion during the bicameral deliberations. Lacson confirmed that their examination showed the insertion existed, but he stressed that the money did not go to the President.
Lacson said he received a call last week from the camp of former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. It was during this discussion that he was told certain Palace officials were misrepresenting the President. He identified them as Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin and Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar.
According to Lacson, Bernardo told him the ₱100 billion was divided between the Department of Public Works and Highways, which received ₱81 billion, and several other government agencies, which got a combined ₱29 billion.
From the total amount, Lacson said Bernardo admitted he personally handled ₱52 billion and delivered kickbacks to Olaivar.
Lacson did not mention whether further steps would be taken, but the claims add pressure to ongoing questions about the budget process and the individuals involved.
