Team DailyPedia
Veteran broadcast journalist Arnold “Igan” Clavio has filed a cyber libel complaint after a former security aide of ex-congressman Zaldy Co accused him of receiving cash allegedly linked to questionable flood control projects.
Clavio appeared at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, accompanied by his lawyers. He was photographed holding a case document before members of the media.
The complaint stems from allegations made in June by Mario Ceniza Jr., a former bodyguard of Co, who claimed that Clavio was among media personalities who had received money.
During a June press conference, Ceniza alleged that he witnessed cash being distributed to journalists and television personalities through a media relations representative identified as Bernard Peralta.
“Na-assign po ako sa isang PR na taga-media na si Bernard Peralta. Doon ko po nakita yung mga nabibigyan ng paper bag na mga anchor, na mga taga-media, kagaya po ni Arnold Clavio. At doon po muna at sa affidavit ko na lang po,” Ceniza claimed.
Clavio categorically denied the allegation and challenged his accuser to provide evidence.
“Lies. Nakakatawa. Nakakalungkot. Pero lahat ng ito haharapin ko nang walang takot. Talk is cheap. Bago ang dada, ebidensya muna,” the Kapuso anchor said in an earlier statement.
He maintained that he had nothing to hide and challenged Ceniza to repeat his accusations in court.
Ceniza’s accusation was part of broader claims raised by 18 former bodyguards of Zaldy Co, who alleged that cash-filled suitcases had been delivered to several prominent personalities.
The group named former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senator Erwin Tulfo, Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Sharon Cuneta, Senator Chiz Escudero, and Mon Tulfo.
The allegations against those named have not been established as fact.
In August, four unidentified members of the group withdrew their earlier statements, claiming they had signed a joint affidavit after allegedly being promised financial assistance.
Following the initial accusations in June, GMA Network issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to journalistic integrity.
The network said it “takes matters involving the integrity of our journalists seriously” and indicated that it would further evaluate the matter.
Clavio has consistently rejected the allegations and has now taken legal action against the claims.
