The political landscape in the Philippines was rocked recently when former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co released a video statement claiming that around ₱100 billion in budget insertions for the proposed 2025 national budget were allegedly made upon the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The allegation is explosive — not just because of the staggering amount involved, but also because it touches on some of the country’s most sensitive issues: corruption, public infrastructure, and government transparency.

As expected, Malacañang firmly denied the accusations, calling the claims “baseless” and challenging Co to testify under oath. The Senate, meanwhile, signaled readiness to investigate, though experts note that unsworn statements carry limited legal weight. Still, this is a situation that can snowball politically — especially with the public already sensitive to flood-control scandals and questionable infrastructure spending.

So the big questions now are: What does Co’s statement mean for President Marcos? How will this affect national governance? And what might the ripple look like here in Northern Mindanao, especially in cities like Cagayan de Oro?

Let’s break it down.

The Core of Co’s Allegation

Co claims that approximately ₱100 billion worth of projects — mostly under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) — were inserted into the 2025 national budget at the direction of the President and the House Speaker.

According to his documents, the massive amount includes:

• ₱81.08 billion for DPWH projects
• Flood-control and riverbank protection works
• Road and drainage systems
• Revetment and slope protection structures
• Various national roads, bridges, access roads, and flyover-type projects
• Additional allocations to agencies like the Philippine Coconut Authority, National Electrification Administration, National Housing Authority, DICT, and even ₱5.4 billion allegedly placed under the Office of the President’s “unprogrammed funds.”

These are the types of projects that normally require multi-year planning and strict evaluation. Co’s key allegation is that these were politically ordered — not agency-initiated — which, if true, would raise concerns about transparency and prioritization.

How This Impacts President Marcos

Even without formal charges, a scandal of this size is politically damaging.

1. Increased scrutiny and political pressure

Whether or not evidence surfaces, Marcos will face stiff questions on his administration’s spending priorities. Any perception that public funds were allocated based on political motives — not strategic national planning — can weaken public trust.

2. Potential investigations

Senate committees, COA, and the Ombudsman may be compelled to examine the details. Pressure from watchdog groups and independent media will likely intensify.

3. A hit to the administration’s image

Marcos often pushes infrastructure and modernization as key pillars of his leadership. Allegations affecting DPWH — especially involving flood-control projects — undercut that message. It doesn’t help that the country has ongoing investigations into substandard flood-control works and alleged procurement anomalies.

4. Internal fallout

If the issue gains traction, we may see Cabinet officials, DPWH regional heads, or even House allies coming under fire. There’s also a risk that political factions within the administration shift positions or distance themselves.

What This Means for the Philippines

Nationally, the implications can be serious.

1. Public frustration could rise

The Filipino public is sensitive to issues involving corruption, especially when tied to infrastructure. People feel the effects directly — flooding, damaged roads, ghost projects, or overpriced contracts.

2. Economic ripple

If certain projects are found to be improperly inserted or mismanaged, timelines for essential infrastructure may be delayed. That affects transport, agriculture, disaster resilience, and even investor confidence.

3. Push for reforms

Scandals like this often reignite calls for:

• Open budget data systems
• Project transparency portals
• Independent construction audits
• Stronger procurement laws

If handled well, the controversy could lead to systemic reform. If handled poorly, it reinforces the status quo.

4. Political tensions ahead of the next elections

This controversy arrives at a sensitive political moment. It may become a major narrative heading into the next national elections, especially if opposition groups leverage it as proof of mismanagement.

Northern Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro: What to Watch

Although Co’s publicized list doesn’t specify all regions affected, many of the projects he described are the same types commonly implemented in Northern Mindanao, such as:

• Riverbank protection (common along Cagayan de Oro River)
• Slope protection structures in Bukidnon
• Flood-mitigation systems in Iligan
• Coastal roads and revetments in Misamis Oriental
• Access roads leading to tourism sites

These are high-budget projects with major impact on local communities.

Here’s what this could mean locally:

1. Funding shifts or delays

If audits or investigations freeze budget allocations, some infrastructure works in the region could slow down. CDO and Misamis Oriental often rely on national funding for major flood-control improvements.

2. Closer scrutiny on DPWH regional offices

Expect more eyes on bidding, contractors, and implementation. Local journalists and watchdogs may start tracking whether local projects match the “profiles” Co mentioned.

3. Possible exposure of ghost or substandard projects

Mindanao is no stranger to stalled or poorly executed public works. This controversy may empower communities to ask tougher questions about ongoing barangay-level and city-level projects.

4. Opportunities for transparency

Local officials who champion open, well-documented infrastructure spending may gain more public support. Cities like Cagayan de Oro — which heavily depend on good drainage and flood-control systems — benefit a lot from clean governance.

Why this matters to ordinary Filipinos

Whether you live in CDO, Manila, Bohol, or Davao — infrastructure is a basic public service you feel every day.

If money meant for flood-control is diverted, we all pay for it later through:

• Worse flooding
• Road closures
• Higher disaster risk
• Damage to businesses
• More taxpayers’ money needed for future repairs

Budget scandals don’t just exist on paper — they shape the daily lives of Filipinos.

The Bottom Line

Zaldy Co’s statement may be unsworn, but it has already made waves. The Marcos administration now faces a major challenge: proving transparency and integrity in government spending.

Whether the allegations turn out true or false, they highlight a deeper truth — Filipinos deserve infrastructure projects that are well-planned, corruption-free, and focused on real community needs.

For Northern Mindanao, this is an opportunity to push for more transparency in flood-control works, major roads, tourism infrastructure, and coastal protection. And for cities like Cagayan de Oro, it’s a reminder that honest governance is not just a political slogan — it’s a necessity for public safety and regional growth.

Digital innovation and connectivity drive resilience amid challenging conditions

Globe Telecom, Inc. reported consolidated gross service revenues of ₱121.7 billion for the first nine months of 2025, slightly lower than the ₱124.0 billion recorded in the same period last year. Despite inflation easing and improved household spending, the company faced a challenging environment brought by strong industry competition and the economic impact of recent typhoons.

However, Globe demonstrated resilience and recovery momentum, posting ₱41.5 billion in revenues for the third quarter — a 3% quarter-on-quarter increase, marking its fastest sequential growth in 13 quarters. This solid rebound highlights the company’s adaptability and continued digital leadership in the evolving telecommunications landscape.

Mobile and Data Lead the Way

Globe’s mobile business remained the main contributor to overall performance, generating ₱86.2 billion in revenues as of end-September 2025. Mobile data revenues surged to an all-time high of ₱74.0 billion, reflecting Filipinos’ growing reliance on apps for messaging, entertainment, and digital transactions.

The company’s mobile subscriber base expanded to 63.1 million, up 5% year-on-year, while mobile data users rose to 37.8 million. Data now accounts for 86% of Globe’s total mobile service revenues, underscoring the country’s deepening digital engagement.

Average mobile data usage remained steady at 15 GB per month, boosted by higher 5G adoption and improved network experience. Globe’s consistent investments in network infrastructure helped sustain this growth, ensuring reliable connectivity for millions of Filipinos nationwide.

Home Broadband Shows Fiber-Driven Growth

Globe’s home broadband segment posted ₱17.8 billion in revenues for the first nine months, with a notable 4% quarter-on-quarter growth in Q3 2025. The shift to fiber connectivity continues to accelerate, with fiber now accounting for 91% of broadband revenues — up from 86% a year earlier.

The GFiber Prepaid (GFP) service, in particular, has been a standout performer, reaching 700,000 subscribers by September 2025 — a 28% jump from the previous quarter. This rapid growth underscores Globe’s success in making high-speed internet more accessible to Filipino homes.

Complementing this, Globe launched the Globe At Home 5G Loop, a first-of-its-kind innovation offering fiber-like speeds with a portable and plug-and-play setup — enabling seamless connectivity both at home and on the go.

Corporate Data and Digital Solutions Rebound

Corporate data revenues reached ₱15.0 billion, a 3% year-on-year decline due to slower enterprise spending. Yet, the third quarter showed a 13% rebound, driven by increased demand for digital transformation solutions such as cybersecurity, IoT, and data center services.

This shift aligns with Globe’s strategy to evolve beyond connectivity, offering technology-driven services that help businesses thrive in a digital-first economy.

GCash and Digital Platforms Strengthen Performance

Globe’s fintech arm Mynt, the parent company of GCash, remained a strong contributor to growth. Globe’s equity share in Mynt rose 52% to ₱5.3 billion, now accounting for a quarter of the company’s total net income before tax.

GCash continues to dominate as the country’s #1 finance super-app, serving millions of users in the Philippines and abroad. With services spanning payments, credit, insurance, investments, and sustainability initiatives like GForest, GCash is reshaping financial inclusion for Filipinos.

Cost Discipline and Strong Financial Standing

Globe’s EBITDA reached ₱64.2 billion, maintaining a strong margin of 52.8% through effective cost management. Operating expenses decreased by 3% year-on-year, driven by lower marketing and staff costs.

While net income stood at ₱17.7 billion, down 14% year-on-year, Globe’s balance sheet remains solid, with total debt at ₱253.5 billion and leverage ratios comfortably within covenant thresholds.

Capital expenditures were trimmed to ₱31.4 billion, a 23% drop from last year, reflecting Globe’s focused investment strategy. About 89% of this spending was directed toward data-related projects, including 1,375 new cell sites, 8,699 upgraded sites, 60,193 fiber lines, and 877 new 5G sites nationwide.

By September 2025, Globe’s 5G coverage reached 98.7% of Metro Manila and 98.3% of major cities across Visayas and Mindanao — ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity for users nationwide.

Driving Digital Inclusion for a Better Philippines

“Our third-quarter results underscore Globe’s consistent performance and ability to create impact beyond connectivity,” said Carl Raymond R. Cruz, Globe Telecom’s President and CEO. “Our mobile and broadband segments continued to grow, while enterprise and fintech platforms strengthened our long-term value creation.”

Cruz emphasized that Globe remains focused on customer experience and innovation, seeing B2B growth as a key driver for future expansion. The company continues to invest in world-class connectivity and technologies that support a digitally empowered and inclusive Philippines.

As the digital landscape evolves, Globe’s sustained focus on innovation, connectivity, and financial inclusion reinforces its role as a nation-building partner. Through its network advancements, fintech leadership, and strategic cost management, Globe continues to connect more Filipinos to opportunities — empowering communities, businesses, and the nation to thrive in the digital age.

The question on everyone’s mind: Why hasn’t it happened yet?

The Hard Truth Behind the “International” Label

The simple answer is that international routes require more than just an airport that looks ready — it needs a market that’s ready. Airlines don’t launch international flights just because an airport has the facilities. They study passenger demand, tourism strength, economic activity, and the profitability of routes.

At the moment, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan — while growing rapidly — have yet to reach that level of consistent international demand. To put it bluntly, if airlines were to open international routes today, they would likely be flying half-empty planes. And that’s simply not sustainable business.

What Makes an Airport Internationally Viable

Airlines look for three major things before opening routes abroad:

1. A strong economy – A region that attracts investors and frequent business travel.

2. Tourism appeal – Destinations that make travelers want to visit, stay, and spend.

3. Passenger volume – Enough travelers to fill planes regularly, ensuring profitability.

While Northern Mindanao has promising growth in agriculture, industry, and tourism, it’s still catching up in all three areas. Cagayan de Oro is known as a “gateway city,” but it hasn’t yet evolved into a “must-visit city” like Cebu or Davao. The tourism potential is massive — from Camiguin to Bukidnon’s scenic routes — but it needs better packaging, promotion, and accessibility to attract a steady stream of foreign visitors.

The Role of Aboitiz InfraCapital and the 2024 PPP

The 30-year partnership between the Department of Transportation, CAAP, and Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) was supposed to be the turning point. The plan was to expand Laguindingan’s capacity from 1.6 million to 3.9 million passengers in Phase 1 and up to 6.3 million in Phase 2.

However, AIC recently confirmed that there are no concrete plans for international flights until at least 2026 — unless airlines themselves decide to launch them earlier. Understandably, this sparked frustration among business groups and local leaders who were expecting faster developments after the turnover.

Why Davao Flies Ahead

Davao City’s success didn’t happen overnight. It took years of economic expansion, international marketing, and airline partnerships. Its connections to Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and even Doha grew from consistent demand driven by tourism, trade, and foreign investments.

Laguindingan can follow that path — but only if Northern Mindanao strengthens its economy and tourism image first. The region must become more than a gateway; it has to be the destination.

The Way Forward

If Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and the rest of Northern Mindanao want to see international flights soon, the region must work together to:

• Boost tourism by promoting must-visit attractions like Dahilayan, Camiguin, and Iligan’s waterfalls as world-class experiences.
• Grow local industries to attract international investors and trade connections.
• Build consistent demand for both inbound and outbound flights through business, leisure, and cultural exchange.

Until then, international airlines will continue to see Laguindingan as a beautiful airport with great potential — but not yet a profitable route.

For now, calling it “Laguindingan International Airport” might sound impressive, but until regular international routes actually take off, the title remains more aspirational than real.

Northern Mindanao’s dream of having true international connectivity isn’t impossible — it just needs time, stronger economic foundations, and a shared vision that turns potential into progress.