MANILA, Philippines — Adding explosive new details to the massive, multi-billion peso flood control kickback scandal, whistleblowers have claimed they personally delivered cash-filled suitcases directly to the private compound of a high-profile lawmaker. Individuals identifying themselves as former bodyguards and bagmen of ex-congressman Zaldy Co stated under oath that they delivered multiple suitcases packed with millions in cash to the New Manila residence of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
The revelations surfaced during a highly charged joint press briefing organized by former congressman Mike Defensor and private prosecutor Atty. Levito Baligod.
During the media briefing held at the Doublegem Events Place in Mandaluyong, 18 former security personnel and employees of Co stepped forward. Two of the individuals went on record to provide a detailed narrative of the alleged drops:
[ THE ALLEGED ESCUDERO CASH DELIVERY DETAIL ]
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┌───────────────────────────────────┴───────────────────────────────────┐
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[ THE FOUR-SUITCASE TRANSPORT ] [ THE HOUSEHOLD ACCESSIBILITY ]
• **Varying Cargo Sizes:** *“Naghatid kami ng apat na maleta na may • **A Specific Account:** To demonstrate their intimate access, one
iba't ibang sukat (We delivered four suitcases of varying sizes),”* • whistleblower claimed they were waved past security and allowed
one of the alleged bagmen stated during the presentation. • deep inside the private compound.
• **Visual Evidence Submissions:** The legal team presented physical• **The Shrimp Detail:** The informant added that while waiting
photographs taken at the scene, which they asserted verified the • for the transaction to clear, they sat down and shared a meal
exact coordinates of Escudero's New Manila property. • of shrimp with Escudero's personal household staff.
The explosive suitcase allegations drop into a deeply volatile political environment in the capital, marked by a recent sweeping Senate majority leadership shake-up and aggressive anti-graft litigation:
[ THE ESCALATING FLOOD CONTROL LEGAL TIMELINE ] │ ▼[ April 27, 2026 ] ──► **The Travel Ban:** The Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division slaps a strict Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO) on Escudero and his alleged close associate, businessman Maynard Ngu, effectively barring them from leaving the country amid the expanding cash probe. │ ▼[ May 21, 2026 ] ──► **The Plunder Case:** The Office of the Ombudsman confirms that Escudero and other top officials remain under preliminary investigation for an alleged **₱586-million** regional DPWH plunder complaint. │ ▼[ June 16, 2026 ] ──► **The Collateral Tags:** During the same press briefing, the whistleblowers expanded their target list, naming prominent media figures Ramon Tulfo and GMA News anchor Arnold Clavio as alleged cash recipients.
While Escudero’s camp did not immediately release a brand-new administrative statement in response to the specific suitcase and shrimp testimony, the senator has fiercely and consistently maintained his total innocence throughout the year. He has labeled the broader flood control allegations as entirely baseless, pointing out glaring inconsistencies in the whistleblowers’ timelines, and framing the attacks as highly coordinated political pressure arising from ongoing disputes inside the Senate.
Concurrently, the media figures implicated in the briefing reacted with immediate fury. GMA News anchor Arnold Clavio instantly slammed the claims as absolute “lies,” declaring that he will see the accusers in court to pursue heavy legal action, while GMA Network announced it is thoroughly evaluating the matter to protect its institutional journalistic integrity.