Whistleblowers Link Pangilinan to Flood Control Scam Amid Senate Leadership Shakeup

Four new witnesses claiming to be associated with the 18 former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co have implicated Senator Kiko Pangilinan in the ongoing government flood control project scandal.

The allegations surface amid a rapidly shifting dynamic within the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, where leadership handovers and conflicting witness testimonies continue to complicate the multi-billion peso corruption inquiry.

Witnesses Claim P50–70 Million Kickback Scheme

During a media brief coordinated by former congressman Mike Defensor, four individuals identifying as former security personnel for Zaldy Co alleged that Senator Pangilinan accepted illicit payouts. The whistleblowers asserted that they personally transported suitcases loaded with cash—estimated between ₱50 million and ₱70 million—intended for the lawmaker.

To support their narrative, the witnesses presented photographs depicting the cash-filled luggage. They claimed the visual evidence connects the delivery directly to members of the senator’s family. However, these photographs have not yet undergone independent verification or authentication by legislative investigators or law enforcement agencies.

Senate Committee Maneuvers and Leadership Shifts

The timing of the allegations coincides with a major procedural shakeup in the Senate. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairperson Erwin Tulfo announced his formal intention to inhibit from the flood control probe. Citing the need to maintain complete objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest, Tulfo stated that he would pass the oversight of the inquiry to a specialized subcommittee.

Paradoxically, Tulfo explicitly named Senator Pangilinan as the prospective head of that very subcommittee.

Questions of Credibility and "Rehearsed" Narratives

The wider group of 18 former bodyguards—consisting largely of former Philippine Marines—has previously triggered legal and security skepticism in the upper chamber. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has openly flagged inconsistencies in their ongoing statements.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) attorneys have warned that the strict symmetry and identical storytelling found among the whistleblowers point heavily to a collective, rehearsed narrative rather than independent recollection. Furthermore, several original members of the 18-man security group have already recanted previous corruption allegations they leveled against other high-profile senators, casting a shadow of doubt over the group’s overall stability and credibility.

Accused officials from various political factions have strongly dismissed the sweeping claims as politically motivated fabrication. Legislative leaders maintain that while the Senate is fully open to looking into budget irregularities, the investigation must proceed strictly through verified, official evidence rather than media forums or trial by publicity.

11:11 PM - June 16, 2026 | MANILA, Philippines — Actress Sharon Cuneta and veteran broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio have fiercely denied separate corruption allegations linking them to an ongoing flood control scandal involving former Congressman Zaldy Co.

The denials come after Co’s former bodyguards and self-proclaimed "ex-bagmen" held a press conference implicating several high-profile personalities in illicit activities.

Cuneta Slams "Lies," Clarifies Marawi Photo

Cuneta, the wife of former Senator Kiko Pangilinan, took to social media to forcefully reject the allegations, labeling them as pure "MGA SINUNGALING!"(LIES!)

The controversy stems from a photo of the Pangilinan family that whisteblowers displayed during their press conference. Clarifying the context of the image, Cuneta explained that her family traveled to Marawi specifically to express gratitude to local officials for their political support of her husband. She categorically denied any association with Co's former staff or any anomalous flood control funds.

Clavio Rejects Cash Payoff Allegations

Meanwhile, journalist Arnold Clavio strongly refuted claims that he received paper bags filled with cash on the orders of the former lawmaker.

During the same press briefing, whistleblower Mario Ceniza Jr., a former bodyguard for Co, named Clavio among several media personalities who allegedly accepted payoffs.

Clavio fired back at the accusations, calling them a complete fabrication. He described the claims as both "ridiculous" and "deeply lamentable," maintaining his professional integrity amid the unfolding scandal.

Investigation into the whistleblowers' claims regarding the flood control project remains ongoing.