Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. files libel and cyberlibel complaints against 18 former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and against their lawyer, Levito Baligod. The complaints come after the 18 bodyguards publicly alleged in February 2026 that Abante received suitcases full of cash during the 19th Congress. According to Abante, the accusations are incorrect, baseless, and misleading, and he denies receiving the alleged money. Abante files the complaints at Manila City Hall, framing them as responses to allegations that he says were circulated through a “libelous salaysay” and related statements. The case targets both the individuals who made the claims and their counsel, who previously asserted involvement in receiving or presenting the purported evidence. The filings seek legal action for the alleged defamatory and online-related content tied to the accusations.