The political landscape in Manila has been rattled after Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte unexpectedly initiated a formal inquiry into the widening “flood control budget” controversy. After months of being the target of accusations and online speculation, Pulong has finally made his countermove—one that has left his critics uneasy and many political figures scrambling for answers.
Through House Resolution No. 488, Duterte is calling for a full-scale investigation into the claims raised by Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co regarding suspicious budget insertions tied to flood control projects in the 2025 national budget. These alleged allocations, amounting to billions, have fueled public outrage amid persistent questions about where disaster-prevention funds are truly going.
Supporters say Duterte’s move is a direct challenge to the narratives pushed by rival blocs, and a message that he will not allow accusations to go unanswered. The resolution also puts pressure on the House leadership and key national figures—including President Bongbong Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez—whose names were dragged into the issue through Co’s earlier remarks.
The timing is significant. With recent floods devastating multiple regions, many Filipinos are asking why supposed multi-billion peso flood control programs have done little to prevent disaster. The call for transparency is intensifying, and Duterte’s demand for accountability has put a spotlight on the larger system behind the national budget.
Adding further heat to the situation, Vice President Sara Duterte publicly backed her brother’s action. In a strongly worded statement, she criticized what she described as a government consumed by greed. She reiterated that the attacks on her confidential funds last year were, in her view, distractions meant to hide deeper irregularities within the ongoing budget discussions. VP Sara’s remarks have emboldened supporters who believe major corruption schemes have been taking place behind the scenes.
Online, attention has also turned to certain party-list groups—mockingly referred to as “Ngiwi” and “Akla” by netizens—who were outspoken against the Dutertes in the past but are now noticeably quiet despite the huge figures involved in this scandal. Their sudden restraint has sparked accusations of double standards and selective outrage.
With Paolo Duterte now demanding that Zaldy Co present his claims formally instead of through public statements or social media posts, political tension is rising even higher. Administration allies have branded Co’s allegations as fabrications, while Duterte insists that only a congressional investigation can cut through the confusion and reveal the truth.
As both sides prepare for a prolonged confrontation, many believe this is no longer just a budget issue—it is the unraveling of alliances, loyalties, and the once-promoted image of “unity.” The coming weeks may determine whether this controversy fizzles out or exposes one of the biggest political battles of the Marcos administration.