Amidst the political noise and the economic challenges facing every Filipino family, a massive scandal has once again shocked our collective consciousness. This is not just about simple corruption or the misuse of funds; this is about billions of pesos allegedly being feasted upon by a few while the majority drowns in floods and poverty. The center of the issue: the controversial 2025 National Budget and the alleged 100 billion peso “insertion” linked to high-ranking government officials.

The Mystery of the 100 Billion and the Armored Vans

News is loud regarding the testimony of individuals allegedly directly involved in the transfer of money. According to reports and revelations that have surfaced, it seems the transport of cash amounting to billions became a standard transaction. This wasn’t simply put in suitcases; the talk involves the use of armored vans to transport the money to the basement of a well-known hotel, the Diamond Hotel.

The amounts being discussed are staggering. From an estimated 81 billion to reaching 100 billion in insertions, it is said that this was for projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly for flood control. But the public asks: Why does flooding in the country seem to be getting worse if there are funds this massive? Where does the money go if these allegations are true?

The Defense: “They Just Used the President’s Name”

On the other hand, the defense from certain camps came quickly. The narrative being pushed for the public to understand is simple: President Bongbong Marcos had nothing to do with this. It is claimed that his name was merely “used” by his subordinates, specifically Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin (of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office or PLLO) and Usec. Olivar, to extort or secure kickbacks.

According to Senator Ping Lacson, there is information pointing to these two officials as the brains behind using the President’s name. The alibi? The President is innocent and was busy reading 4,000 pages of budget documents, as seen in photos released by Malacañang where he is with DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

However, how strong is this defense? Many critics and political observers are simply shaking their heads. For them, the reasoning that “the President didn’t know” is a huge insult to the intelligence of Filipinos.

The Logic of Power: Is It Possible the Boss Didn’t Know?

This is where the sharp analysis of veteran legislators like former Senator Nikki Coseteng comes in. In a fiery statement, she emphasized that the government structure is designed such that the President holds sway over all departments.

“The President, when he assumes office, has his Cabinet. The Cabinet is there to provide information and advice. No budget can be released without the knowledge of the concerned departments, and all of that is under the President,” Coseteng explained.

It turns out it is very hard to believe that “kids” or subordinates like Bersamin and Olivar would have the courage to manipulate billions of pesos if they didn’t have a “backer” or a blessing from a higher power. As the saying goes, “the tail doesn’t move unless the dog signals.” If it is true that the President’s name was just used, where is the immediate action and punishment for those who did it? Why does the Palace seem silent on holding accountable the people who allegedly tarnished their name?

The Picture of “Scrutiny”

A photo circulated showing the President seriously reading a document with his secretaries. For supporters, this is evidence of his diligence. But for critics, this is part of a show or “zarzuela” (political theater).

In the photo, Secretary Bonoan can be seen seemingly pointing to something in the document. The suspicion of many is that these are the insertions themselves—flood control projects that are the source of kickbacks. The irony of the situation cannot be denied: while they are focused on paper, the reality outside is the continued suffering of citizens from floods, broken roads, and unfinished bridges.

The Impact on the People: More Than Just Money

This issue is not just a matter of numbers. Every billion lost from the nation’s coffers is equivalent to the lives and futures of Filipinos. The 100 billion would have been enough to build thousands of classrooms, provide medicine to hospitals, and fix irrigation systems for farmers.

As former Senator Coseteng stated, the effect of this is like we were hit by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake—the economy is wrecked and will take a long time to recover. What hurts is that the guilty parties are feasting on wealth while the victims are the innocent citizens who lost their homes to floods, or workers earning meager wages.

The Challenge of Today

In the end, this scandal is a challenge to each of us. Will we believe the story that there are just “ghosts” moving behind the President? Or will we face the possibility that the system itself is rotten and being eaten by corruption from head to toe?

Let us not be fooled by “scripts” and explanations that seem childish. What we need is true accountability. Finger-pointing is not enough. Saying “my name was just used” is not enough. If you are the father of the nation, it is your responsibility to ensure that every centavo of the people goes to the right place. If you do not know what is happening in your own backyard, it means only one thing: you are not performing your duty, or you yourself are part of the problem.

These billions of pesos did not come from thin air; they came from the sweat and blood of every Filipino worker. We have the right to ask, to get angry, and to demand justice. Because in the end, it is not just money being stolen from us, but our future.