SERIES of revelations are emerging regarding the president’s spouse, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Former Executive Secretary of PBBM, Atty. Vic Rodriguez claimed that the first lady provided him with a list of names that she wanted to appoint to government positions.
Rodriguez mentioned agencies like the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCor), and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) — government agencies where public funds flow directly.
He also mentioned some names from the first lady’s list.
Who could forget the viral video of the first lady’s birthday greetings to the General Manager of the PCSO, Mel Robles, where the first lady used word “melyonaryo”, which caused public stir.
To recall, the PCSO became the center of controversy due to consecutive jackpot wins by lone bettors.
In fact, over P2.4-B were won in just 11 lotto games from December 2023 to January 2024.
Meanwhile, a leaked audio conversation between Liza Marcos and Social Secretary Bianca Zobel recently surfaced regarding an alleged extraction in Turkey related to the floating status of some officials of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).
In a leaked audio, the first lady sought help for her friend Francis Chua, who allegedly wanted to forcibly retrieve his child in Turkey, however, the then-ISAFP Chief lost his position for refusing to cooperate.
The first lady previously denied any involvement in appointing government officials.
Rodriguez stated that the Marcos administration would find it difficult to deny these allegations, especially since he is not the only one aware of the matter.
“They would have a hard time saying that it didn’t happen. I know this for a fact, one of the many reasons, why this outstanding official, a decorated official, a truly outstanding AFP official, serving faithfully… Was relieved without reason… Since then this person has been under ‘floating status’,” said Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Former Executive Secretary of PBBM.
BGEN. Marcelino Teofilo was replaced as ISAFP Chief in October amidst controversies over appointments, resignations, and dismissals at the beginning of the Marcos administration.
Among those affected were Rodriguez, Former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, and Former Commission on Audit Chair Jose Calida.
