Benny Abante sues 18 ex-Zaldy Co 'bagmen,' counsel over bribery claims

Representative Bienvenido "Benny" Abante has initiated legal action against 18 individuals identified as former associates of ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co. The complaint, which includes charges of libel and cyberlibel, also names lawyer Levi Baligod and Sonshine Radio as defendants. These legal filings come in response to public accusations that Abante accepted illicit payments from government contractors delivered in suitcases. The Manila lawmaker has categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as entirely fabricated and damaging to his reputation. He is seeking accountability for the circulation of what he characterizes as baseless claims intended to smear his professional standing.

This case highlights the ongoing tension between political figures and media outlets regarding the verification of corruption allegations and the legal consequences of public defamation.