One of 18 former “maleta boys” who previously claimed they were bodyguards of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co says he and others were offered ₱20 million to ₱25 million to recant their statements. The claim is linked to a joint affidavit that implicated several figures in alleged flood control anomalies. In separate reporting, George Villanon Jr., one of the former bodyguards, made the statement in an interview conducted after four colleagues signed affidavits of recantation. Villanon said their earlier affidavit statements—which, he said, were written in a joint document—were “untrue,” according to the recantation affidavits filed by his colleagues. The individuals said to be implicated in the original affidavit include President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, along with other personalities referenced in the complaint. The reports describe Villanon’s account of the alleged offer but do not provide details on who made the offer or whether any investigation is ongoing in response to the allegation.