Toby dares President Marcos: Prove innocence in flood control scam

MANILA, Philippines — Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco is challenging President Marcos to show proof that he is not involved in the multibillion-peso flood control scam.

“Mr. President, you exposed the flood control mess. Now draw the line and finish what you have started. Mr. President, you started this fight. Now prove that no amount of money, influence or political connection can place anyone beyond accountability,” Tiangco said.

Tiangco issued the statement following the recantation of four self-proclaimed bagmen of former congressman Zaldy Co, whose testimonies were needed for the ombudsman’s investigation on the suspected involvement of former speaker Martin Romualdez in the anomaly.

Romualdez denied Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s accusations that he was directly behind the retractions, saying this only shows the chief anti-graft buster’s “extreme prejudice” towards him.

Tiangco challenged Marcos: “If you are serious about accountability, direct every department and agency to fully cooperate with the ombudsman and submit all evidence involving questionable budget insertions, fund releases and project interventions and that everyone should help to make him answerable to the full force of the law.”