Manila, Nov. 17 -- Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday cast doubt on former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co's statement about an alleged PHP100-billion budget insertion, saying several of the claims run counter to the established budget process and even to basic logic.

In an interview with DZMM, Gatchalian said it was "puzzling" that Co attributed the supposed insertions to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., pointing out that chief executives traditionally place their priority programs at the start of the National Expenditure Program (NEP), not at the last minute.

"Kung ang Presidente mayroon siyang gustong ilagay sa budget, normally nilalagay niya 'yan sa una, hindi sa dulo (If the President wants something included in the budget, he ...