A new report from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) has labeled Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos and former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez as “pork barrel kings” after analyzing the distribution of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) funds.
According to PCIJ, the DPWH handled about P1.2 trillion in allocable funds. Of that amount, the largest share reportedly went to Marcos, while Romualdez received the second highest allocation. PCIJ data shows that from 2022 to 2025, Marcos received a total of P18.8 billion in projects, while Romualdez received P14.4 billion.
The report also noted wide discrepancies in allocation between districts with different population sizes. PCIJ pointed out that Ilocos Norte, with a population of around 320,000, received a much larger share compared with other areas. For example, Rizal’s 1st District, which has a population of about 1.2 million, was allotted only P7.8 billion.
The Palace earlier addressed questions arising from the report. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the President is aware of the PCIJ findings involving his son and his cousin. Castro said the President trusts that Rep. Marcos knows how to respond to the issue. She added that the First Family is prepared for a lifestyle check if necessary.
As of now, both Marcos and Romualdez have not issued statements responding to the PCIJ report.
