MANILA — Akbayan Party called for swift accountability from government officials implicated in the widening corruption scandal involving alleged ghost and anomalous infrastructure projects, urging the public to remain vigilant as the controversy draws in more high-profile figures.

In a statement, the group noted that three additional senators and several House members were tagged during the latest Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. The corruption issue has also intensified outside the inquiry, following allegations from former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co accusing Malacañang of involvement.

Akbayan described the situation as a “complex and even dangerous phase” in the public’s fight against corruption and called on the Office of the Ombudsman to immediately file cases against all implicated lawmakers, whether linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte or the current administration. The group also pressed for charges against Vice President Sara Duterte over the alleged misuse of multimillion-peso confidential funds.

The party said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must directly address the accusations raised by Co, warning that evading the issue “will only invite the people’s ire.” It also urged Co to return to the country, face due process, and substantiate his allegations.

Akbayan added that Co’s failure to do so could fuel suspicions that he is merely seeking to protect himself or advance political interests, including what it described as the Dutertes’ and China’s efforts to regain influence.

The group also appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to remain professional and uphold its constitutional mandate. Citing a statement by Cardinal Virgilio Pablo David, Akbayan rejected “any form of right-wing military intervention,” saying such a move could aid the Dutertes’ return to power, favor China, shield officials accused of graft, and potentially pave the way for a military junta.

Akbayan said it will continue to pursue efforts for truth and accountability alongside the public, asserting that the fight should not be “hijacked, derailed, or used as a shield by corrupt and undemocratic forces.”