MANILA, Philippines — Actress and singer Sharon Cuneta on Wednesday denied allegations linking her husband, Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, to alleged kickbacks from flood control projects, after former associates of resigned party-list lawmaker Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co claimed they delivered suitcases containing money to various personalities.
The allegations were made during a press conference on Tuesday by 18 individuals who identified themselves as former bodyguards, drivers and employees of Co. They alleged that they delivered suitcases containing funds allegedly derived from kickbacks connected to flood control projects.
During the briefing, the individuals presented photographs showing Cuneta, Pangilinan and several other personalities with people identified as employees of Co’s company, Misibis Aviation and Development Corporation. However, they did not directly identify Pangilinan as a recipient of any money.
In a social media post, Cuneta rejected the allegations and said the photograph shown during the press conference was taken during a visit to Marawi.
Cuneta said she had documented the trip in a vlog uploaded in July 2025 and described the visit as an opportunity to thank local officials and residents for supporting Pangilinan.
She also said that she and her family earn their livelihood through work and denied any involvement in the alleged scheme.
Pangilinan likewise denied the allegations and warned that he would pursue legal action against those making the claims.
The senator said the allegations were baseless and claimed that his name was dragged into the controversy because of reports that he may chair a Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee that would investigate the alleged flood control scam.
Also named by the former associates during the press conference was Arnold Clavio, who denied the allegations and said he would address the matter in court.
Clavio said the accusations lacked evidence and maintained that he had nothing to hide.
In a statement, GMA Network said it takes matters involving the integrity of its journalists seriously and would evaluate the issue further.
The network also urged the public not to draw conclusions based on unverified information.
The allegations emerged amid ongoing scrutiny of alleged irregularities involving flood control projects and campaign donations linked to Co, who faces legal complaints and is reportedly outside the Philippines. No court has ruled on the allegations raised during the press conference.
