NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Arnold Clavio Dragged Into Alleged Media Payoff Claims
FILE
Veteran broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio has been named in allegations raised by members of the group known as the "Brave 18," which has been linking former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and several personalities to the alleged flood control controversy.
During a recent press conference, one of the witnesses claimed that while he was assigned to veteran public relations practitioner Bernard Peralta, he allegedly saw paper bags being distributed to several personalities in the media. The witness specifically identified Clavio as among those he supposedly saw receiving the bags.
Another member of the group claimed that Clavio allegedly received paper bags containing cash on a monthly basis.
The witnesses also implicated columnist and media personality Ramon Tulfo. According to one of the former bodyguards, Tulfo allegedly received small paper bags during regular Thursday meetings, with the contents supposedly amounting to between P2 million and P3 million.
The allegations form part of broader claims made by the witnesses regarding the alleged use of money and influence in connection with flood control projects.
Bernard Peralta, who was identified in the testimony, strongly denied the accusations. The veteran public relations practitioner said he had spent nearly three decades in the industry and took pride in his work. He claimed that some of the individuals accusing him had previously sought financial assistance from him, while another had allegedly asked him to facilitate communication with Zaldy Co in exchange for withdrawing their accusations.
Peralta maintained that he could substantiate his claims and vowed to prove that those accusing him were lying.
Tulfo, meanwhile, appeared to dismiss the accusations in a Facebook post. He joked about the supposed money bags and questioned how millions of pesos could fit inside a small paper bag. He acknowledged that he regularly meets with Joey de Guzman, a former public relations officer of Zaldy Co, but said their meetings are related to their work in public relations following his retirement from mainstream journalism.
Clavio has also commented on the controversy surrounding the witnesses and urged the public not to loosely refer to them as "18 ex-Marines," noting that the group includes former bodyguards and military personnel. However, as of writing, he has yet to issue a separate statement specifically addressing the allegations that he received money.
No charges have been filed against Clavio, Tulfo, or Peralta in connection with the claims. The allegations raised by the witnesses have yet to be tested in court or validated by any official investigation. All accusations remain unproven, and those named are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
During a recent press conference, one of the witnesses claimed that while he was assigned to veteran public relations practitioner Bernard Peralta, he allegedly saw paper bags being distributed to several personalities in the media. The witness specifically identified Clavio as among those he supposedly saw receiving the bags.
Another member of the group claimed that Clavio allegedly received paper bags containing cash on a monthly basis.
The witnesses also implicated columnist and media personality Ramon Tulfo. According to one of the former bodyguards, Tulfo allegedly received small paper bags during regular Thursday meetings, with the contents supposedly amounting to between P2 million and P3 million.
The allegations form part of broader claims made by the witnesses regarding the alleged use of money and influence in connection with flood control projects.
Bernard Peralta, who was identified in the testimony, strongly denied the accusations. The veteran public relations practitioner said he had spent nearly three decades in the industry and took pride in his work. He claimed that some of the individuals accusing him had previously sought financial assistance from him, while another had allegedly asked him to facilitate communication with Zaldy Co in exchange for withdrawing their accusations.
Peralta maintained that he could substantiate his claims and vowed to prove that those accusing him were lying.
Tulfo, meanwhile, appeared to dismiss the accusations in a Facebook post. He joked about the supposed money bags and questioned how millions of pesos could fit inside a small paper bag. He acknowledged that he regularly meets with Joey de Guzman, a former public relations officer of Zaldy Co, but said their meetings are related to their work in public relations following his retirement from mainstream journalism.
Clavio has also commented on the controversy surrounding the witnesses and urged the public not to loosely refer to them as "18 ex-Marines," noting that the group includes former bodyguards and military personnel. However, as of writing, he has yet to issue a separate statement specifically addressing the allegations that he received money.
No charges have been filed against Clavio, Tulfo, or Peralta in connection with the claims. The allegations raised by the witnesses have yet to be tested in court or validated by any official investigation. All accusations remain unproven, and those named are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Jun 16, 2026
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