Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. has initiated libel and cyber libel proceedings against 18 former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co, along with their lawyer Levito Baligod. This action follows allegations made by the bodyguards claiming that Abante received suitcases filled with cash during the 19th Congress. Abante categorically denies these accusations, labeling them as false and misleading. He expressed that the allegations were publicly aired without proper legal channels, emphasizing that the statements lacked specific details and were unsubstantiated. The bodyguards had previously testified before a Senate committee, reiterating their claims from an affidavit released in February 2026, which has since been questioned due to inconsistencies. Other lawmakers, including Palawan Representative Jose Alvarez, have also denied involvement in the alleged cash deliveries, suggesting that the accusations might stem from political disagreements regarding support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.