Veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila has joined the growing outrage over the alleged ₱35.24 billion budget insertion by Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co for flood control projects from 2022 to 2025.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Henry Alcantara revealed the figure during ongoing investigations, sparking public anger against the lawmaker.
On Tuesday, September 23, Davila took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge Filipinos not to forget the issue.
“Mapapamura ka talaga sa galit. Huwag po nating kalimutan ito. Ginawang GATASAN ang gobyerno. Kay Zaldy Co palang umano ito,” she wrote.
She went on to stress that Co’s alleged insertion is just the tip of the iceberg.
“Isipin niyo ang iba pang congressman na may insertions, cut ng DPWH at mga kontratista. During the senate hearings, estimates are the national budget can do with P1 trillion less. Napupunta lang ito sa kickback, insertions, lagay sa substandard or ghost projects,” Davila added.
Earlier, contractor Curlee Discaya also named Co as one of the officials who allegedly received hefty cuts from government contracts.
Co, who previously served as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, resigned from the post citing health reasons. According to House Spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante, the lawmaker is currently abroad for medical treatment, though his camp has yet to issue an official statement.
