A seemingly insignificant detail—a visible price tag on a piece of luggage—has unintentionally become a focal point in a rapidly escalating political controversy. The sudden reappearance of former Congressman Zaldy Co, who has gone into hiding, has ignited a firestorm of allegations, directly implicating President Bongbong Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez in alleged multi-billion-peso budget insertions for 2025.
In the second part of his explosive video exposé, Co presented photographic evidence, including images of several suitcases purportedly used to deliver massive cash payments. These deliveries, Co alleges, are linked to a contentious P100 billion insertion in the national budget. He emphatically denied any personal benefit, claiming the entire amount went to the President and Romualdez.
This visual evidence connects back to the earlier testimony of Orly Guteza, Co’s former security aide, who previously mentioned delivering cash-filled luggage to high-ranking officials. Guteza, however, became notably unavailable for subsequent legislative hearings, adding intrigue to his unsworn statement.
The striking detail in Co’s video, noticed by the public, is the price tag still affixed to one of the alleged ‘cash suitcases.’ For many observers, this seemingly minor oversight dramatically undercuts the supposed secrecy and gravity of the transaction, turning a financial scandal into a viral curiosity. It raises immediate questions about the authenticity and professionalism surrounding the alleged delivery of billions of pesos. The spectacle of a high-stakes alleged bribe being transported in a regular, store-bought suitcase with its tag still on has become a symbol of the entire chaotic exposé.
Co’s sudden and dramatic surfacing also comes at a politically charged time, coinciding with the massive three-day religious event of the Iglesia ni Cristo from November 16 to 18, 2025. This timing fuels speculation that the allegations are calculated to maximize public and political impact. Adding to the drama, Co’s visibly stressed and frail appearance in the video contrasts sharply with his previous image, suggesting the immense toll of his current situation.
While Malacañang has dismissed Co’s claims as “pure hearsay,” lacking evidence and a factual basis, the political impact is undeniable. The image of the price-tagged suitcase has fixed itself in the public imagination, serving as an emblem of the serious accusations now leveled against the country’s highest leaders. As the nation watches and waits, the outcome of these revelations—and whether the truth will ultimately prevail—remains an open and critical question.