Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV intensified his long-standing crusade against the Duterte family on Friday, characterizing the political clan as a fundamental danger to the nation’s democratic institutions.
The staunch critic signaled that his efforts to thwart their political influence are far from over, even as legal and political pressures mount against both the former president and the current Vice President.
The remarks follow significant progress at the International Criminal Court (ICC), where the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity during Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” appears to be transitioning toward a formal trial.
Simultaneously, Vice President Sara Duterte is navigating a burgeoning impeachment process that could potentially reach the Senate.
During a televised interview, Trillanes clarified that he does not view the recent setbacks for the Dutertes as the conclusion of his advocacy.
“I’m looking at all of this as a mission. We have identified the Duterte family as an existential threat to our democracy.”
The former lawmaker, who alongside Gary Alejano filed supplemental complaints at The Hague in 2017, noted that the legal journey is still in its critical stages.
Despite the passage of time since he first accused the former president of amassing undisclosed wealth, Trillanes remains steadfast in his role within the international judicial process.
“And that’s why we’re pursuing this, and we’re not done yet. We’re just midway through that mission and we will see this through,”
Trillanes also pushed back against the notion that his primary objectives have already been met.
He emphasized that the upcoming trial is the true benchmark of his “mission” and acknowledged that his actions are supported by a broader network of allies.
“While you can say Mr. Duterte is mission accomplished, but no it’s not, the trial has yet to start. So we are still helping out in the process,” Trillanes said, adding: “Maaaring ako lang yung naging mukha pero there is a huge support system sa likod nito.”
As the ICC proceedings continue to develop, Trillanes remains a central figure in the collective push to ensure that the former administration faces accountability on the global stage.