Arnold Clavio denies claim by Zaldy Co’s supposed ex-bodyguard

Unang Hirit anchor Arnold Clavio has denied allegations that he was among the media personalities who allegedly received cash in paper bags from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, calling the claim “lies” and saying he is ready to face the matter in court.

In a statement, Clavio rejected the accusation made during a press conference Tuesday by one of Co’s supposed former bodyguards.

“Lies. Nakakatawa. Nakakalungkot. Pero lahat ng ito ay haharapin ko nang walang takot,” Clavio said.

“Talk is cheap. Bago ang dada, ebidensya muna. Hindi ako natatakot. Wala akong itinatago. Magkita na lang kami sa korte at doon ulitin niya lahat ng kanyang walang kakwenta-kwentang bintang,” he added.

The allegation was made by Mario Ceniza Jr., who claimed that he saw anchors and members of the media allegedly receiving paper bags.

“Doon ko po nakita ’yung mga nabibigyan ng mga paper bag, na mga anchor, na mga taga-media. Kagaya po ni Arnold Clavio, at doon lang po muna, i-affidavit ko na lang po ’yung ibang kuwan. Sample lang po ’yan, marami pa po akong kilalang mga taga-media,” Ceniza said.

Clavio has been critical of the so-called “18 Marines,” or the 18 former bodyguards of Co, noting that not all of them were former members of the Philippine Marine Corps. They have also been questioned for their ever-changing claims.

Several personalities tagged in their allegations have also strongly denied their accusations, dismissing them as political diversions ahead of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Multiple lawmakers have likewise filed cyberlibel and perjury complaints against them and their legal counsel, Levito Baligod.

Clavio’s employer, GMA Network, for its part, said it has taken note the statements made during the press conference and will evaluate the matter further.

“The Network takes matters involving the integrity of our journalists seriously,” GMA said in a statement.

“GMA Network remains committed to responsible journalism. We ask the public to refrain from drawing conclusions based on unverified information,” it added.

Statement of Arnold Clavio regarding the allegation made against him. pic.twitter.com/i6NokrYYqx

— GMA News (@gmanews) June 16, 2026