Manila, Philippines – After months of silence, former Representative Saldiko has resurfaced with shocking allegations regarding a 100-billion peso project insertion linked to the ongoing investigation of anomalous flood control projects. The revelation, shared in a video posted on his verified Facebook account, has ignited debates, curiosity, and skepticism across social media, as Filipinos try to piece together the truth behind the claims.

Saldiko’s sudden reappearance comes after a long period of self-imposed isolation. In his video, he appeared noticeably thinner, prompting speculation about whether the drastic change in his appearance was due to stress, health issues, or other personal circumstances. Some observers even questioned the authenticity of the video, suggesting it might have been generated using artificial intelligence. However, careful verification shows it was uploaded directly to Saldiko’s account, signaling that the whistleblower himself recorded and released the statement.

The Start of the Silence

Saldiko explained that he remained silent for months due to direct orders instructing him not to return to the Philippines and to avoid speaking about the issue. He left the country on July 19, 2025, citing a medical checkup, planning to return only after the President’s SONA. However, just as he was preparing to go back, he received a call from former Speaker Martin Romales, who warned him:

“Stay out of the country. You will be well taken care of, as instructed by the President.”

At the time, Saldiko trusted the assurances and obeyed. But he later realized that the “protection” was a guise. Instead of safeguarding him, they intended to use him as a “poster boy”—a scapegoat in their campaign to cover up alleged corruption.

“They planned to use me as a cover for their own lies. Now, I will no longer stay silent. I will reveal the truth. I have receipts, evidence, and names,” he declared in the video.

The Allegations

According to Saldiko, the issue began in 2024, when Secretary Mina Pangandaman contacted him regarding the BCAM (Bicameral Commission) process. Saldiko was allegedly informed that a directive came straight from President Bongbong Marcos to insert 100 billion pesos worth of projects into BCAM.

He immediately verified the information with Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, who reportedly confirmed the order. Saldiko then reported the instructions to former Speaker Martin Romales, who allegedly responded:

“What the President wants, he gets.”

During a subsequent meeting at the Aguado Building near Malacañang, Saldiko claims that Bersamin handed over a list of projects worth 100 billion pesos. The list, according to Saldiko, was taken from a brown leather bag personally associated with the President, an incident he recalled from the 2022 Singapore elections. This, he said, confirmed that the directive came from the highest level of government.

Distribution of Funds

Saldiko further detailed the allocation of the 100 billion pesos:

50 billion pesos were earmarked for program funds, adjusted to prevent exceeding the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget relative to education funding.

The remaining 50 billion pesos were set aside as unprogrammed funds, to be released through the Office of the President.

Even when some adjustments were suggested, Saldiko claimed that the President’s command was clear and immutable:

“What the King commands cannot be altered,” he was reportedly told.

He expressed confusion over how the President could claim unfamiliarity with the budget, given that all allocations undergo approval through the relevant government agencies, including Secretary Pangandaman.

The Public Reaction and Skepticism

The release of the video has sparked intense reactions across the Philippines. Many netizens questioned the authenticity of the footage, noting Saldiko’s drastic weight loss and altered appearance. Some called it AI-generated, while others argued that the video was genuine based on its upload from Saldiko’s official account.

Commentators also raised practical questions about the narrative. If Saldiko was meant to be a scapegoat, why was he allegedly prevented from returning to the Philippines? Skeptics argue that the timing and sequence of events raise doubts about the motives and truthfulness of the claims.

Political Implications

Saldiko’s accusations directly involve high-ranking officials, including the President and former Speaker Romales, who were allegedly beneficiaries or enablers of the project allocations. The whistleblower hinted at widespread corruption in the handling of flood control projects, suggesting kickbacks and irregularities that implicate multiple lawmakers and contractors.

The timing of Saldiko’s statements is critical, coinciding with ongoing investigations by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and bicameral oversight processes. The Senate is reportedly scrutinizing project lists, allocations, and discrepancies in submitted reports, including alleged manipulation of coordinates and project data before reaching official approval.

The Whistleblower’s Stand

Despite skepticism and potential legal exposure, Saldiko insists on revealing the full truth:

“For every Filipino, the truth must be told. I am ready to reveal everything—what I know, what I saw, and who is involved.”

He emphasized that he acted solely on instructions and never personally benefited from the funds. However, he warned that the unfolding story could affect multiple officials and institutions.

“I will no longer be silent. I will release all evidence. There is no turning back,” he said.

Looking Ahead

As the controversy grows, the Filipino public is left grappling with serious questions: How much of Saldiko’s account is accurate? Who else might be implicated? And what are the broader consequences for governance and public trust?

Analysts say that if Saldiko’s claims are verified, it could become one of the most significant scandals in Philippine politics in recent history, exposing the inner workings of budget allocations, political influence, and administrative oversight.

For now, the nation watches closely, eager for verification, clarification, and the potential fallout from these explosive allegations. Whether Saldiko is a whistleblower or a controversial figure spinning a narrative, his return to the public eye has certainly stirred the political landscape.

“The truth is coming, and it cannot be ignored,” Saldiko warned—a statement that may just mark the beginning of a storm.