Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has dismissed allegations that he is hastily defending President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. concerning the purported PHP100 billion budget insertion and kickback scheme. Lacson asserted that evidence suggests the President was misled, indicating that the alleged kickback deliveries could not have involved Marcos.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson pointed out that President Marcos’ decision to veto PHP1.15 billion worth of items from the proposed budget insertions serves as a basis for his exoneration. Lacson highlighted the contradiction in the claim made by resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who alleged that he delivered PHP25 billion in kickbacks to the President. This claim is disputed by former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

Lacson elaborated on the absurdity of Co’s claim, stating that Bernardo, who managed the kickback deliveries from the PHP52 billion of the PHP81 billion worth of DPWH items, confirmed that such deliveries could not have occurred. Lacson confirmed Co’s assertion that PHP100 billion was inserted during the bicameral conference committee on the 2025 national budget but emphasized that these kickbacks did not go to the President. Instead, they were directed to individuals who allegedly used the President’s name to further their scheme.

During Senate deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget, Lacson named resigned Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Carlos Bersamin and resigned Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar as among those who allegedly misrepresented the President. Lacson argued that it would be illogical for President Marcos to veto funding items that he supposedly ordered inserted.

Lacson reiterated that the vetoes suggest that the alleged fund misuse involved individuals exploiting the President’s name and not the President himself.