Trillanes tells Duterte: ‘We will not be cowed by such political persecution’

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday said the opposition, the media and critics of the Duterte administration would not be “cowed” by what he called political persecution against them.

Trillanes, a staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, issued the statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted him and several others for conspiracy to commit sedition over an alleged plot to oust the President.

“This latest absurd case is but another proof that the Duterte administration continues to weaponize the law against the political opposition, critics and the media,” the former senator said.

“But let me assure Mr. Duterte that we will not be cowed by such political persecution. On the contrary, we are more determined and motivated to continue our fight for democracy and the rights of our people,” he added.

Earlier Monday, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) also filed a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court seeking to forfeit ABS-CBN’s franchise.

Solicitor General Jose Calida told reporters that the case was filed in order to stop the supposed “abusive practices” of the network.

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