MANILA — Opposition Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan pushed back against Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s claim that the opposition was merely posturing as “righteous and anti-corruption” following the budget manipulation revelations of former lawmaker Zaldy Co.

Dela Rosa had posted on Facebook that “pinklawans” were seeking to appear virtuous amid Co’s admission. In response, Pangilinan emphasized that the opposition is carefully observing developments and acting in the nation’s interest.

“Hindi kami nananahimik, nagmamasid kami at tinitimbang nang husto kung ano sa paniwala namin ang pinakamainam hindi para sa sinuman na nakaupo kundi para sa palagay namin ay ikabubuti ng bansa,” Pangilinan wrote on November 15, sharing Dela Rosa’s comment.
(We are not silent; we are observing and carefully weighing what we believe is the best course of action, not for anyone in office, but for the good of the nation.)

He added: “Responsibilidad namin tiyakin na may saysay ang ingay namin at mauuwi ito sa pagpapanagot sa mga nagkasala.”
(It is our responsibility to ensure that our noise is meaningful and will result in holding the guilty accountable.)

Separately, Rep. Leila de Lima of the Liberal Party urged Co to return to the Philippines and face investigators rather than making accusations from abroad.

“We urge former Rep. Zaldy Co to return to the country and fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects. He should take an oath and tell the whole truth before the proper forum,” De Lima said in a statement on November 14.

The Office of the Ombudsman also reminded Co to properly file sworn statements, warning that public videos slow down formal proceedings.

“Every time a witness chooses the stage instead of the sworn desk, the investigation is forced to pause, to verify, to sift through what is said and what is left unsaid. And that is exactly why this process takes time,” the Ombudsman said on November 15.

Co released a five-minute video on November 14 admitting his role in manipulating the 2025 national budget but deflecting responsibility to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He alleged that Marcos and Romualdez ordered him to insert P100 billion into the budget, with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman allegedly relaying the instruction during the bicameral conference committee.

A document shared by Co suggested that the Department of Public Works and Highways received about P18.01 billion, while P18.7 billion was distributed among other agencies.

Co has been outside the Philippines since July 19, reportedly for a medical check-up, and later resigned from the House of Representatives after Speaker Ferdinand “Bojie” Dy demanded his return and filed an ethics complaint against him.