Arnold Clavio files cyber libel case over flood control payoff allegations
Broadcast journalist Arnold "Igan" Clavio has filed a cyber libel complaint over allegations about him receiving cash from anomalous flood control projects.
Clavio was seen with his lawyers at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Wednesday, Oct. 14. He was also seen holding a case document in front of members of the media.
The complaint stemmed from Mario Ceniza Jr., a former bodyguard of ex-congressman Zaldy Co, who claimed during a press conference in June that Clavio was among media personalities who received cash.
“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 said at the time.
Clavio denied the accusation, describing it as a lie that he found both ridiculous and deeply saddening.
“Lies. Nakakatawa. Nakakalungkot. Pero lahat ng ito haharapin ko nang walang takot. Talk is cheap. Bago ang dada, ebidensya muna,” Clavio previously said in a statement, according to a GMA News report.
He asserted that he had nothing to conceal and was unafraid to face the allegations. He also challenged his accuser to appear in court and repeat what he described as baseless claims.
GMA Network previously said in a statement that it "takes matters involving the integrity of our journalists seriously," adding that it would further evaluate the matter.
Last June, 18 bodyguards of Co alleged during a press conference that several personalities received payoffs. They claimed to have delivered suitcases filled with cash to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Sen. Erwin Tulfo, who was still a congressman at the time. Also named in the allegations were Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and his wife, Sharon Cuneta, Sen. Chiz Escudero, and Mon Tulfo.
In August, four of the 18 bodyguards, whose identities were not disclosed, recanted their statements, saying they had signed the earlier joint affidavit after allegedly being promised financial assistance.
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