A cyber libel complaint has been filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Marawi City over allegations that lawmakers received cash-filled suitcases from former congressman Zaldy Co.
The complaint, filed Thursday by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, named lawyer Levito Baligod and 18 alleged former Marine officers as respondents.
The Lanao del Sur lawmaker is seeking P25 million in damages, including P20 million in moral damages and P5 million in exemplary damages, over what he described as false, malicious, and damaging accusations.
In his complaint-affidavit, he accused the respondents of causing the public spread of allegations linking him to supposed cash deliveries tied to an alleged multibillion-peso kickback scheme involving flood control projects.
“The accusations hurled against me by the Respondents are absolute fabrications, total falsehoods, and malicious inventions,” the solon said in his affidavit.
“I have never met any of these 18 individuals, I have never received any suitcase of cash from anyone, and I have absolutely no involvement in the anomalous transactions they describe,” he added.
The complaint stemmed from a February 24, 2026 press conference where Baligod announced the existence of a joint affidavit alleging a kickback scheme. Portions of the affidavit were later circulated online and on social media.
According to the complaint, the affidavit specifically named Adiong among lawmakers allegedly given cash-filled suitcases.
Aside from Baligod, the complaint named Bernard Tube, Rosebert Waupan, Benny Bulontante, Johnny Buduan, Rodent Orbillo, Reyneboy Julian, Christopher Esquivel, George Villain Jr., Romeo Rommel Bobares, Gil Navidad Jr., Anselmo Tabard, Walter Manalansan, Joel Cadioao, Rommel Galapon, Cecilia Larder Jr., Bernard Guimban, Crisanie Dado, and Fidel Corpuz as respondents.
The complaint alleged that the elements of cyber libel were present, arguing that the statements imputed criminal conduct, were publicly disseminated through online platforms, and were made with actual malice.
“Respondents acted with actual malice because they published an unverified, logistically impossible narrative with reckless disregard for whether it was true or false,” the complaint stated.
Adiong also claimed that the online circulation of the allegations was not accidental, citing Baligod’s statement to reporters during the February 26 filing of the affidavit before the Office of the Ombudsman that soft copies would be provided to the media.
“Having intentionally exposed the allegations to members of the media with the expectation that they would be reported to the public, Respondents are liable not only for the original publication of the defamatory imputations but likewise for their foreseeable republication and dissemination through digital and online platforms,” the affidavit stated.
The complaint further rejected any claim that the accusations were protected by qualified privilege, saying the respondents themselves publicized the allegations through press conferences, media interviews, and online distribution.
He said the controversy caused severe damage to his reputation and standing as a public official.
“By reason of and as a direct consequence of these criminal acts, I suffered severe mental anguish, a besmirched reputation, and widespread social humiliation,” he noted.