PHILIPPINES: Megastar Sharon Cuneta has slammed a group of men claiming to be former bodyguards of ex-Representative Zaldy Co, branding them “liars” after they used a photo of her and her husband, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, to suggest the couple was tied to a cash payoff linked to the flood control scandal.
According to a news report, the alleged ex-bodyguards held a press conference where they presented photos as supposed proof of their claims.
What the Ex-Bodyguards Claimed
During the presser, the men — said to be former soldiers — laid out a series of allegations tied to Co’s flood control deals. Among their claims:
- They showed photos of suitcases taken at the hangar of Co’s Misibis Aviation.
- They alleged that these suitcases, filled with cash, were delivered to various politicians and even journalists.
- One of the photos shown featured Cuneta and Pangilinan alongside people described as Co’s employees.
The men, however, offered no concrete details to back up the photo’s connection to any payoff.
Sharon Cuneta’s Sharp Response
Cuneta wasted no time hitting back. On Facebook, she explained that the photo came from a vlog about her family’s trip to Marawi, where they thanked local officials for supporting Pangilinan’s successful run for a Senate seat in the 2025 elections.
“Mga sinungaling!!! Sobra talaga kayo!” she wrote, visibly furious. She added a pointed question, asking whether anyone would really hand over a suitcase of cash to them all the way in Marawi.
For Cuneta, the implication was not only false but absurd — a visit meant to express gratitude was twisted into something sinister.
Pangilinan Warns of Legal Action
Senator Pangilinan didn’t hold back either. He vowed to hold accountable whoever was behind the presentation of the photo, warning that they would face more than just empty allegations.
He stressed there was no basis for the attack and said dragging his family into the issue crossed a line. The senator suggested the move was a calculated attempt to damage his reputation.
Pangilinan also believes the smear was tied to his reported appointment as chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee — the body tasked with investigating the flood control scandal involving Co.
For Filipinos abroad following the unfolding scandal back home, the episode highlights how quickly public figures can get pulled into corruption probes, and how fiercely some are willing to defend their names.