Manila, Philippines – A former government official has come forward with shocking allegations regarding the insertion of 100 billion pesos worth of projects into the national budget, reportedly directed toward the residences of President Bongbong Marcos and Speaker Martin Romales. The testimony, delivered during a Senate hearing, raises questions about transparency, administrative processes, and the potential misuse of public funds.
The whistleblower, speaking under the pseudonym “Saldi,” claimed that he was personally involved in executing the budget insertion as instructed by top officials, and alleged that he faced threats to remain silent. According to his statement:
“I was following orders, but now I am ready to reveal the full truth. I have receipts, evidence, and names. The administration used all national resources to make sure I stayed silent. I am no longer afraid to speak.”
Background and Alleged Instructions
According to Saldi, the instructions to insert 100 billion pesos worth of projects into the BCAM program began in 2024, initiated by Secretary Mina Pangandaman, who told him:
“After the meeting with the President, instructions were issued to insert 100 billion pesos worth of projects into BCAM.”
Saldi then confirmed the instructions with Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, who allegedly confirmed that the directive came directly from the President. The matter was later reported to then-Speaker Martin Romales, who purportedly responded:
“What the President wants, he gets.”
The whistleblower recounted receiving a detailed project list from Bersamin, allegedly sourced from a brown leather bag reportedly handled personally by President Marcos after the 2022 elections in Singapore, which reinforced Saldi’s belief that the directive was indeed presidential.
Distribution of Funds
Saldi further alleged that the total amount was initially split:
50 billion pesos for program funds, adjusted due to discrepancies in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget versus education allocations.
50 billion pesos directed to unprogrammed funds, released through the Office of the President, ensuring presidential control over disbursements.
“The President’s instructions were clear. It was a command from the highest office. Speaker Romales also confirmed that there was nothing that could be done to oppose the directive,” Saldi stated.
Concerns Over Whistleblower Safety
Saldi revealed that he was advised not to return to the Philippines and warned to remain silent:
“I was told I would be ‘well taken care of’ if I stayed abroad. At the time, I believed them. Only now do I understand that the promise of care meant I would be used as a cover for a political campaign against corruption.”
He emphasized that he left the Philippines on July 19, 2025, for a scheduled medical checkup and did not return due to these instructions.
Senate Hearing Reactions
During the Senate hearing, multiple senators including Senator Kiko Pangilinan and Senator Marcoleta discussed the limitations imposed on Saldi’s testimony, particularly regarding the disclosure of exact amounts and allocations:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) was cited as restricting parts of the testimony due to confidentiality laws under Republic Act 6981, Section 7, which governs witness protection proceedings.
Saldi’s statements were partially limited because he is a potential applicant for the Witness Protection Program (WPP), despite his willingness to provide a detailed account.
Senator Marcoleta expressed concern that such legal limitations might hinder full transparency:
“How can the findings of this committee be prejudiced by allowing the witness to testify fully? It appears inconsistent that the DOJ’s procedural restrictions are limiting our inquiry.”
Connections to Legislators and Contractors
Saldi’s testimony implicated several officials and legislators in the allocation process:
Former congressmen reportedly received specific amounts from the allocable funds.
Contractors were suggested or coordinated for projects on behalf of politicians.
Some allocations were described as “poster projects,” controlled by legislative leadership, allegedly influencing the final distribution of funds.
He also described instances of project reporting and submission to the President via electronic applications, noting discrepancies between initial reports and actual project coordinates.
Transparency and Evidence
Saldi emphasized that he possesses receipts, photographic evidence, and named individuals involved in the disbursement, highlighting that:
“For every Filipino, you deserve to know the truth. I am prepared to release all evidence to ensure accountability.”
He further stated that he had acted in accordance with instructions given to him and did not benefit personally from the transactions.
Political Implications
The allegations have reignited discussions over:
Potential budget manipulation at the highest level.
The use of government resources for political leverage.
Limitations imposed by the Witness Protection Program that may affect legislative investigations.
Observers note that these claims could have significant implications for the ongoing investigation of unprogrammed funds and the transparency of budgetary allocations in the Philippine government.
Conclusion
This unfolding case underscores the challenges of maintaining transparency in government budgeting and the complex interplay between administrative directives, legislative oversight, and whistleblower protection. As more evidence becomes available, the Senate and DOJ will need to ensure that investigations proceed with integrity while balancing confidentiality and witness safety.
“I am no longer silent. The full truth will be revealed,” said Saldi, signaling a potential watershed moment in the ongoing scrutiny of national budget processes.
