JANUARY 29, 2026 — Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco has thrown himself into the center of the brewing political storm, declaring he is willing to testify in the impeachment proceedings against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if called as a witness. His statement, delivered in a late-night interview, adds fuel to an already fiery debate over corruption, accountability, and the President’s role in the controversial national budget.

Tiangco’s words were clear and unflinching: “I am willing to say the truth under oath. Walang problema sa akin ’yon (I have no problem with that).” 

For a majority congressman to openly state his readiness to testify against the sitting President is no small matter. It signals cracks within the political establishment and raises questions about how deep the fissures go.

The impeachment complaints against Marcos — two in total —have already been referred to the House Committee on Justice. The first was filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus and endorsed by Rep. Jett Nisay. The second, lodged by a coalition of activists and former lawmakers including Liza Maza, Teddy Casiño, Renato Reyes Jr., Neri Colmenares, and others, was endorsed by progressive party-list representatives. 

With the proceedings now formally initiated, no new complaints can be filed. The battle lines are drawn.

Tiangco’s role is particularly intriguing. He was the one who first revealed last year that Marcos confronted then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez about alleged corruption tied to government projects. 

According to Tiangco, the President bluntly asked Romualdez: “Martin, kayo ni Zaldy, ilan bang bahay sa Forbes ang gusto niyong bilhin? Ilang bang eroplano ang kailangan ninyo? Ilan bang Ferrari ang gusto niyo? Gaano karaming pera ba ang gusto nyo? Gaano karaming caviar ba ang kaya niyong kainin?”

(Martin, you and Zaldy, how many houses in Forbes do you want to buy? How many planes do you need? How many Ferraris do you want? How much money do you want? How much caviar can you eat?)

The President allegedly followed up with a damning line: “Sobra na kayo, lahat ng pera kinukuha niyo.” 

(You’ve gone too far, you’re taking all the money.)

If these words were indeed spoken, they paint a picture of a leader aware of questionable dealings within his own circle. Critics argue that by signing the budget despite knowing of these issues, Marcos became complicit. 

Tiangco, however, insists otherwise. He maintains that his testimony would clarify the matter, not condemn the President.

Still, the revelations are explosive. Allegations of billion-peso transfers, luxury properties, and lavish lifestyles tied to Romualdez and his allies have surfaced, with Tiangco’s account adding credibility to the narrative. For ordinary Filipinos, the imagery of Ferraris, Forbes mansions, and caviar is a stark contrast to the daily struggle for jobs, food, and basic services.

This is where the discourse becomes urgent. If Tiangco testifies, will his words strengthen the impeachment case or shield Marcos from accusations of complicity? Will the public see him as a truth-teller or a political player? And most importantly, will this impeachment process finally force accountability at the highest levels of government, or will it end up as another spectacle with no real consequences?

Tiangco’s willingness to testify is not just about one man’s statement — it’s about whether the truth will finally be laid bare in a system often clouded by power and privilege.

Will Tiangco’s truth under oath finally crack the walls of power, or will it expose how unbreakable they really are?

(Image: Toby Tiangco | Facebook)