Alleged bagman of Zaldy Co claims 4 suitcases were delivered to Chiz Escudero

An alleged former bagman of ex-Representative Zaldy Co claimed Tuesday that he was part of a team that delivered suitcases purportedly containing cash to Senator Francis “Chiz“ Escudero in New Manila in 2024.

At a press conference, the man said he took part in the delivery of four suitcases to Escudero's residence.

“Bali yung time na ’yan sir, kami sir yung advanced team sa pagdeliver sa bahay ni Chiz Escudero,” he said, without identifying himself. He was described by lawyer Levi Baligod as a former Marine who later worked under Co.

(At that time, sir, we were the ones who delivered [the suitcases] to Chiz Escudero’s house.)

He alleged that members of the team were welcomed into the residence and were served a meal.

“Kumain pa po kami sa bahay niya. Kumain pa po kami. Ang ulam namin hipon kasama yung mga katulong niya,” he said.

(We even ate at his house. We were served a meal. We had shrimp for our meal together with the household staff.)

GNO has reached out to Escudero, but he has yet to reply as of posting time.

The press conference was organized by Baligod and Mike Defensor.

Meanwhile, at the same event, two more former bodyguards of Co claimed they were involved in delivering suitcases allegedly containing money, which were later brought to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The two men stood up after being asked during the briefing if any of those present had participated in the alleged transport of money-filled suitcases intended for Marcos.

"Bahay po ni President Bongbong Marcos, pero ang nag-receive ng pera ay si Rep. Sandro [Marcos]. Pero noong, after ng gabi, nagdinner sila ni ex-Cong. Zaldy Co with PBBM and First Lady Liza Marcos," said one of the alleged former bagmen.

“Bale po kasi noong time na ’yun, sir. May 2022. Kami po yung nagdala ng limang maleta na large from Horizon Homes,” he said.

(At that time, sir, in May 2022, we were the ones who transported five large suitcases from Horizon Homes.)

The witness alleged that the suitcases were brought to the Delta Gate hangar in Pasay City, where they were transferred to another vehicle. Several back-up vehicles were also present.

According to the witness, the vehicles later proceeded to Ilocos.

GMA News Online is trying to get Malacang's side.

Last week, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro dismissed as “garbage” the allegedly inconsistent claims of the 18 individuals who claimed to have delivered kickbacks to certain government officials.

Castro said the statements of the alleged bagmen of Co would not stand in court.— RSJ, GMA News