FRESH allegations of massive budget irregularities have ignited public outrage after former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co revealed that nearly ₱1 billion worth of flood control projects were funneled into San Narciso, Zambales, all under the jurisdiction of 2nd District Representative Bing Maniquiz.
According to Co’s disclosures, the staggering amount—earmarked solely for one municipality—has raised serious red flags, fueling suspicions of potential corruption, padded allocations, or even nonexistent (“ghost”) projects. Despite the magnitude of the controversy, both the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) have yet to determine whether the projects actually exist or if they were constructed to substandard levels.
Good governance advocates have slammed the alleged anomalies, calling the billion-peso concentration “grossly irregular,” “a mockery of public trust,” and “an insult to taxpayers.” Critics warn that if proven true, the scheme would represent one of the most brazen cases of infrastructure fund misuse in the province’s history.
In stark contrast, the 1st District of Zambales has reportedly received no flood control projects at all and has been cleared of any anomalies, contradicting misinformation circulating on several Facebook pages claiming otherwise.
As investigations stall, watchdog groups are demanding swift action, full transparency, and strict accountability. They insist that every peso of public funds must be traced—and that any official found to have enriched themselves at the expense of disaster-vulnerable communities must face the full force of the law.
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