SAN JUAN CITY, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday reiterated serious allegations against the Duterte family, claiming they collectively accepted ₱181.65 million from Davao-based businessman Samuel “Sammy” Uy, whom he identified as a drug lord.
Speaking at a press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan City—held shortly after his name was removed from the House prosecution panel’s witness list in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte—Trillanes detailed financial transactions allegedly made between 2011 and 2013 involving key members of the prominent political clan.
“Bawat miyembro ng pamilya Duterte, tumanggap ng pera mula sa ilegal na droga,” Trillanes claimed.
According to figures presented by Trillanes, the ₱181.65 million was allegedly distributed among several family members:
- Former President Rodrigo Duterte: ₱15.65 million
- Vice President Sara Duterte: ₱22.32 million
- Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte: ₱38.81 million
- Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte: ₱51.58 million
- Honeylet Avanceña and Veronica “Kitty” Duterte: ₱53.27 million
Trillanes emphasized the stark contrast between the allegations and the public anti-drug campaign long championed by the Duterte family during their time in power.
“Noong pumasok sa national politics itong si Duterte, pumupustura siya na galit sa ilegal na droga. Siya ’yung gigil na gigil daw sa droga, pero ’yun pala, ito pala, tumatanggap siya at kapartner nila ’yung drug lord,” Trillanes said.
Calling the alleged transactions the “biggest deception in Philippine history,” he urged the public to examine the records and look past political loyalty.
“Yan ang pinaka-malaking pambubudol sa kasaysayan ng Pilinas na hanggang ngayon, unfortunately may mga supporters pa rin siya na talagang inlove na inlove pa rin sa kanila. Kaya kailangan yugyugin natin ang katotohanan nitong mga ito para naman mamulat kayo,” he added.
The former lawmaker had previously brought these specific financial figures to light during a House Committee on Justice hearing on April 22.
Trillanes maintained that his claims are far from baseless and are fully grounded in official documentation that he was ready to submit under oath had he been called to take the witness stand in the Senate impeachment tribunal.
“Lahat po ’yan backed up by official documents. Maliwanag po ’yan, hindi tayo gumagawa ng kathang-isip na allegations, subok na ‘yan,” Trillanes stressed, asserting that he volunteered as a witness because he possesses the necessary documentary proof.