Manila: House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos has refuted allegations of involvement in illegal budget insertions amounting to PHP50 billion. These accusations were made by Zaldy Co, a resigned party-list congressman.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos dismissed Co's claims as "fantastical" and "false," asserting that anyone could make baseless accusations while abroad. Co, who is currently facing charges related to alleged corruption in government flood control projects, accused Marcos of making these budget insertions for the years 2023 to 2025 in a video released on Tuesday.

Marcos responded by stating that Co's allegations were an attempt to create political turmoil to escape his legal issues. He suggested that Co's ultimate aim was to destabilize the current administration to absolve himself of his alleged crimes. Citing information from the intelligence community, Marcos claimed that Co had already made deals with individuals who would benefit from a change in the administration.

Marcos emphasized that Congress operates as a collegial body where decisions are made democratically. He noted that Co was removed from his position as appropriations chairman due to his alleged greed and corruption, which had become apparent to other members.

In his statement, Marcos urged the public to be cautious of Co's motives, labeling him a criminal evading justice. He called on people not to be misled by Co's claims, reiterating that his accusations were an attempt to distract from his own legal predicaments.