Jamaine Punzalan

Former security aides of former Congressman Zaldy Co gather during a press conference, June 16.  Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Kaxandra Salonga

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178703659297520260616-zaldy-co-ex-bodyguards-pressconr-MT16.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Former security aides of former Congressman Zaldy Co gather during a press conference, June 16.  Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News </span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman said Tuesday it was considering including four former bodyguards of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co as respondents in a plunder case after they recanted their previous testimonies about the flood control kickback scheme. </p><p>“There are indications that the panel of investigators may implead as part of the plunder charge the former security escorts of Zaldy Co, four of whom recently allegedly recanted their earlier statement implicating former Speaker [Martin] Romualdez, Co, and other officials in the alleged cash deliveries at the heart of this case,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said.</p><p>Clavano said the four former bodyguards could still reinstate their original statements, but could face plunder charges if they would not. </p><p>“Nasa sa kanila yun kung gusto nilang bumalik sa dati nilang affidavit, they are welcome to do so. Pero we have to prepare also for the scenario na di sila bumalik. Kaya pag di sila bumalik, talagang isasama sila sa charge na plunder at non-bailable po ‘yan,” he said in a press briefing. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/7/marcoleta-defensor-mum-on-recantation-of-co-s-ex-aides-1716">Marcoleta, Defensor mum on recantation of Co&#x27;s ex-aides</a></div><p>Clavano said the four have yet to submit official copies of their recantations to the Ombudsman.</p><p>However, he said copies of the recantations were “interestingly” attached to the counter-affidavit filed by former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Aug. 7.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/27/marcos-says-multiple-charges-vs-romualdez-to-be-filed-soon-1621">Marcos says multiple charges vs Romualdez to be filed soon </a></div><p>Clavano said the Ombudsman’s panel of investigators has since submitted its reply to Romualdez’s counter-affidavit.</p><p>Romualdez also has a pending motion before the panel seeking an extension to file a supplemental affidavit in connection with the case being prepared against him, Clavano said.</p><p>Romualdez previously denied any involvement in flood control anomalies. </p><p>“Naninindigan akong wala akong ginawang anumang labag sa batas,&quot; he said in July. &quot;Handa akong patunayan ito.&quot;</p><div><strong>BALIGOD SUBMITS FLASH DRIVE</strong></div><p>Clavano also said Atty. Levito Baligod, counsel for Co’s former security escorts, recently turned over a flash drive containing screenshots and video recordings that could show the circumstances surrounding the four men’s decision to recant.</p><p>“If we can show na may consideration yung pag-recant nila, then it will only bolster our position that these affidavits, yung unang affidavit ay totoo talaga,” Clavano said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/17/baligod-says-he-has-screenshots-audio-on-bribery-of-bagmen-who-recanted-1335">Baligod to present additional witnesses to strengthen flood control case</a></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/46TjrYf_Cvw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><br style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"/></div>

<p>The Office of the Ombudsman said Tuesday it was considering including four former bodyguards of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co as respondents in a plunder case after they recanted their previous testimonies about the flood control kickback scheme.</p>

The Office of the Ombudsman said Tuesday it was considering including four former bodyguards of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co as respondents in a plunder case after they recanted their previous testimonies about the flood control kickback scheme.

Ombudsman: Four ex-Co bodyguards who recanted may face plunder raps

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Ombudsman: Four ex-Co bodyguards who recanted may face plunder raps

Kaxandra Salonga,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 18, 2026 03:10 PM PHT

Read More:

Ombudsman

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