Former Bagman Links Arnold Clavio to Alleged Cash Deliveries
Former bodyguards and alleged bagmen of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co made serious allegations during a press conference held on June 16, claiming that cash-filled paper bags were regularly delivered not only to politicians but also to members of the media. Among those named was veteran GMA news anchor Arnold Clavio.
One of the former bagmen claimed that while working under a media public relations contact, he witnessed paper bags allegedly being given to several media personalities, including Clavio. He further alleged that these deliveries were made on a regular basis and suggested that more names and details would be included in his sworn affidavit.
The statement drew strong reactions from attendees at the press conference, prompting the speaker to withhold further details and reserve additional information for his formal testimony. The allegations quickly gained public attention due to Clavio’s long-standing reputation as one of the country’s most recognizable broadcast journalists. However, no evidence was publicly presented during the press conference to support the claims against him.
In response, Clavio firmly denied the accusations through a statement posted on social media. He described the allegations as false, disappointing, and lacking proof. He emphasized that he has nothing to hide and is prepared to face the issue directly. Clavio also stressed that accusations should be supported by evidence rather than mere statements and expressed confidence in addressing the matter through legal channels if necessary.
The controversy prompted an official response from GMA Network. The network stated that it takes issues involving the integrity and credibility of its journalists seriously and would carefully review the allegations. At the same time, GMA urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions based on unverified claims. The network reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and maintaining professional standards among its news personnel.
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