Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Tuesday denied accusations that he received $2 million from former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co to bankroll an investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“I vehemently deny that I received $2M or any amount from Zaldy Co for the ICC investigation or any other purpose,” Trillanes said in a social media post.
He alleged the claims were part of a deliberate attempt to undermine ICC proceedings in The Hague, where Duterte faces charges over his administration’s war on drugs.
“This is an attempt to discredit the ongoing ICC proceedings,” Trillanes added, vowing not to let what he described as a smear campaign derail the case.
The controversy stemmed from an unsigned affidavit attributed to 18 former Philippine Marines, reportedly linked to Orly Guteza.
The document alleged that as executive assistants to Co, they were instructed to exchange two suitcases containing ₱56 million each, supposedly part of the $2 million payment to Trillanes.
Trillanes dismissed the claims as “blatant lies” meant to confuse the public and weaken the ICC prosecution.
He said he plans to file cyberlibel complaints against lawyer Levito Baligod, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, former journalist Jay Sonza, the 18 former soldiers, and others allegedly spreading the accusations online.
“This is not new to me. I will not be distracted. Hahabulin ko kayo,” Trillanes said.