MANILA, Philippines — Veteran broadcaster Arnold Clavio has denied allegations by a former bodyguard and alleged bagman of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co that he received paper bags containing cash.
The allegation surfaced during a press conference on Tuesday organized by former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, where former bodyguards and alleged bagmen of Co made claims about the purported distribution of money to politicians and members of the media.
One of the former bagmen alleged that he witnessed cash being delivered to media personalities while working with a public relations intermediary.
“Na-assign po ako sa isang PR na taga-media na si Bernard Peralta. Doon ko po nakita yung mga nabibigyan po ng mga paperbag, na mga anchor na taga-media, kagaya po ni Arnold Clavio (I was assigned to a media PR person named Bernard Peralta. It was there that I saw paper bags being given to media anchors, including Arnold Clavio),” the former bagman said.
The witness did not elaborate further on the alleged transactions during the press conference, saying additional details would be contained in his affidavit.
“At doon lang po muna, sa affidavit ko na lang po yung ibang kuwan... sampol lang ho 'yon, marami pa ho akong mga nakilala (I'll stop there for now. The rest will be in my affidavit. That's just one example. There are many more people I encountered),” he added.
Clavio, a longtime GMA Network journalist and television host, swiftly dismissed the accusation and questioned the lack of evidence supporting the claim.
“Lies. Nakakatawa. Nakakalungkot. Pero lahat ng ito ay haharapin ko nang walang takot. Talk is cheap. Bago ang dada, ebidensya muna. Hindi ako natatakot. Wala akong itinatago (Lies. It's laughable. It's sad. But I will face all of this without fear. Talk is cheap. Before all the talking, show the evidence first. I am not afraid. I have nothing to hide),” Clavio said in a statement.
He also warned that he is prepared to seek legal remedies against the individual behind the allegations.
“Magkita na lang kami sa korte at doon ulitin niya lahat ng kanyang walang kakwenta-kwentang bintang (We'll see each other in court, and he can repeat all of his worthless accusations there),” he said.
In a statement issued also Tuesday, GMA Network said it had taken note of the allegations raised during the press conference and would review the matter.
“GMA Network has noted the statements made during a press conference earlier today. The Network takes matters involving the integrity of our journalists seriously. The Network will evaluate the matter further,” the network said.
The network likewise appealed to the public to refrain from making judgments while the claims remain unverified.
“GMA Network remains committed to responsible journalism. We ask the public to refrain from drawing conclusions based on unverified information,” it added.
