Lito Banayo calls Toby Tiangco a standout voice in Congress after Romualdez exposé

Veteran political strategist and former Philippine representative to Taiwan Lito Banayo has expressed admiration for Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, citing his integrity following his public disclosure about the circumstances surrounding disputed budget dealings involving Leyte Rep. and then–House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In his column published by Manila Standard, Banayo described Tiangco as an unexpected yet welcome departure from the usual brand of trapo or traditional politicians that have long shaped the country’s political system. He noted that Tiangco’s actions placed him in sharp contrast to the entrenched practices commonly associated with Philippine politics.

“The most criminal budget in history was the provenance of the crime of the century”

Banayo said in his article, “Toby Tiangco is a revelation. Not the usual trapo that we have come to regard all legislators, save for a minuscule few. So candid, so refreshing. And so honest.”

He praised Tiangco’s courage for revealing that President Marcos berated Romualdez, his first cousin, for diverting parts of the unprogrammed funds to projects that he and then Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co favored.

In a previous interview, Tiangco said Romualdez promised the President that the funds would be restored in the bicameral conference committee, but it did not materialize.

According to Tiangco, Romualdez took advantage of Marcos’ kindness by not heeding his order. “Ang problema kasi ang impression kay Presidente masyadong mabait e,” the lawmaker said.

Banayo said Malacañang will have a hard time debunking Tiangco’s claim, saying he believes the lawmaker was telling the truth.

“I believe him. I am sure many, many more believe honest Toby,” he stressed.

In the same interview, Tiangco revealed that based on surveys conducted before the 2025 senatorial elections, Romualdez was a major reason for the decline in Marcos’ approval ratings.

“Pero doon pa lang, nakikita na ang nagpapababa sa ratings niya, si Martin,” he said, adding that the President was aware of it.