Trillanes tags Duterte’s camp in $2 million ICC bribery allegation
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday filed criminal complaints at the Department of Justice against 18 former military personnel, lawyer Levi Baligod, former Quezon City Rep. Mike Defensor and several media personalities.
According to the senator, these persons had wrongfully accused him and had spread false information that he received US$2 million from former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and the money was allegedly meant to bribe investigators in the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Facing cases for cyber libel and incriminating an innocent person is Baligod, for alleged conflicting and defamatory statements against the senator.
On the other hand, Defensor, together with former broadcaster Jay Sonza, former spokesperson of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Lorraine Badoy, and vlogger Cathy Binag were included in the complaint for being reportedly instrumental “in propagating false allegations.”
Meanwhile, the 18 alleged former marines are facing complaints for perjury.
‘A project of the Duterte camp’
Speaking to reporters after filing the cases, Trillanes categorically denied the bribery allegations, labeling them as a “demolition job” designed to protect the former president.
“There is no truth to that. I did not receive $2 million or any amount from Zaldy Co for ICC operations. This was done, not only to defame me, but to cast doubt on the integrity of the ICC investigators,” Trillanes said.
The former senator directly identified the “Duterte camp” as the one behind the smear campaign. He said he has evidence and information linking the group to the 18 former soldiers.
“The Duterte camp is the force behind this movement. There are several ongoing investigations, and we have gathered significant information,” Trillanes said.
When asked why the Duterte camp, he said: “They stand to benefit most from this.”
Sought for comment, Defensor, in a message to reporters said: “It is an honor to stand alongside these brave and patriotic soldiers involved in this case. These soldiers are merely telling the truth about what they witnessed—the alleged distribution of money which, based on emerging reports, is linked to corruption because Zaldy Co was their ‘boss‘.”
Defensor said both former National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Trillanes are former soldiers who, instead of trying to know the truth behind the allegations of the former Marines, opted to file cases against them.
Año was the first to file a criminal complaint against the Marines, Baligod, and Defensor.
“I will help to bring out the truth. It is an honor for me to be part of the fight against corruption, alongside soldiers who truly love the country,” Defensor said.
Inquirer has reached out to Baligod and the Office of the Vice President, but neither has responded as of posting time. /apl/cb
