Arnold Clavio, itinanggi ang “maleta ng pera” bintang sa flood control projects

• Arnold Clavio firmly denied allegations linking him to alleged cash “suitcases” from flood control funds
• Former bodyguards of Zaldy Co named several personalities in a controversial press conference
• Clavio declared he is ready to face the issue in court without fear or hesitation
• GMA Network said it will review the matter while urging the public to avoid conclusions

Veteran broadcaster Arnold Clavio has strongly denied allegations made by former bodyguards of Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, calling the claims false and baseless amid a growing controversy involving alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

The issue surfaced after a press conference held by 18 former bodyguards of Co, where they named several personalities allegedly linked to the supposed distribution of cash-filled containers coming from flood control funds. Among those mentioned were media personalities Arnold Clavio and Ramon Tulfo, sparking public debate and online reactions.

Clavio immediately rejected the accusations and expressed readiness to face any complaint in court. In a statement, he said:

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"LIE. Nakakatawa. Nakakalungkot," ani Clavio.

He further stressed his willingness to confront the issue head-on, adding:

"Pero lahat ng ito ay haharapin ko ng walang takot. Talk is cheap. Bago ang dada, ebidensya muna. Hindi ako natatakot. Wala akong itinatago. Magkita na lang kami sa korte, at doon ulitin nya lahat ng kanyang walang ka kwenta kwentang bintang."

In response to the controversy, GMA Network issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations involving one of its journalists. The network said:

"The Network takes matters involving the integrity of our journalists seriously. The Network will evaluate the matter further. GMA Network remains committed to responsible journalism. We ask the public to rerain from drawing conclusions based on unverified information."

Meanwhile, columnist Ramon Tulfo also dismissed the accusations on social media, mocking the claim involving alleged cash deliveries. He questioned the plausibility of the story, saying:

“Supot na puno ng milyon-milyong pera? Paano magkakasya ang limpak-limpak na salapi sa isang supot? Bayong pa kung ganoon!”

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Commission on Elections Chairperson Atty. George Erwin Garcia also denied involvement, pointing out inconsistencies in the statements of the former bodyguards. He noted conflicting claims about the supposed delivery of money and questioned the credibility of the allegations.

“Dati, apat na maleta raw binigay sa akin sa harap ng Midas Hotel. Ngayon bag na maliit na lang. Hindi nagtutugma mga sinasabi nila. Nagtatalo-talo na,” sabi ni Garcia.

He also raised concerns about whether the individuals were being directed on what to say, while questioning his supposed connection to flood control projects.

The controversy traces back to allegations surrounding billions of pesos in flood control projects reportedly left unfinished due to alleged corruption. In earlier statements, Zaldy Co has been linked to claims involving the alleged distribution of cash-filled suitcases to various individuals inside and outside government, further fueling public scrutiny.

Authorities and institutions involved continue to face pressure as the issue develops, with calls for evidence and proper legal proceedings dominating the discussion.

Arnold Clavio, popularly known as "Igan," is a highly respected Filipino broadcast journalist, television host, and radio newscaster who has been a pillar of GMA Network's news division for over three decades. He is widely recognized for his long-standing roles as a pioneering co-host on the morning show Unang Hirit, a veteran anchor for the late-night newscast Saksi, and a hard-hitting commentator on DZBB radio.

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In another report, Megastar Sharon Cuneta strongly responded to allegations made by a group of 18 individuals claiming to be former Marines, who linked her family to an alleged “suitcase of money” controversy. In her vlog, Cuneta called the accusations false and directly branded the claimants as liars, stressing that the photo they presented was taken during a legitimate visit to Marawi meant to thank officials. She dismissed the allegations involving supposed kickbacks as completely baseless, insisting that everything her family has comes from honest work and legitimate sources.

Meanwhile, Senator Kiko Pangilinan denied allegations linking him and his family to the supposed suitcase containing billions in alleged kickbacks tied to a flood-control controversy. He described the claims as baseless and politically motivated, calling them mere accusations without any solid evidence. The controversy stemmed from an affidavit submitted by 18 individuals who claimed they transported money-filled suitcases to various officials, a story that has been heavily criticized by some senators and former officials.

Source: KAMI.com.gh