PASAY CITY—Palawan 2nd District Representative Jose "Pepito" Alvarez vehemently denied receiving a suitcase filled with money from former lawmaker Zaldy Co, dismissing the claims shortly after his name surfaced during Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on June 4. 

Alvarez made a surprise appearance at a press conference hosted by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano immediately after the committee suspended its proceedings. 

He firmly stated that no financial exchanges or debts exist between him and Co that would warrant any such delivery.

The allegations reportedly stem from social media posts involving 18 former Marines, which Alvarez flagged as highly questionable. 

“Wala akong natanggap… Wala kaming transaction na maari niyang (Zaldy Co) bigyan ako ng pera,” Alvarez stated, addressing the viral reports he saw on Facebook. 

He openly questioned the validity of the claims and insisted that a "maleta" (suitcase) of cash was never brought to him.

The sudden development has thrown a spotlight on the ongoing Senate investigation, turning a regular committee review into a high-stakes political denial. 

By confronting the rumors directly on the Senate floor, Alvarez attempted to shut down the bribery narrative before it gained further traction. 

Meanwhile, the Blue Ribbon Committee has yet to announce if Alvarez will be formally summoned to testify under oath when hearings resume.

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