Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday filed criminal complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 18 former Marines, lawyer Levi Baligod, former Anakalusugan Party-list Representative Mike Defensor, broadcaster Jay Sonza, and several others.
The complaints follow allegations that Trillanes received $2 million from former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co—linked to alleged “ghost” flood control projects—to benefit International Criminal Court (ICC) personnel.
Trillanes strongly rejected the claims, calling them baseless and part of a smear campaign.
“These people are peddling a pathetic lie. As a complainant in the ICC case since 2017, I am expected to actively communicate with them – from gathering numerous evidence to securing witnesses. Is there a crime in holding a tyrant accountable? Why would ICC prosecutors need a bribe from me? They do not operate on the transactional, corrupt mindset that these people are clearly accustomed to,” he said.
He accused Baligod and his allies of concocting the “bribery” narrative to revive a failed attempt to discredit him.
“The timing is no coincidence. They launched these lies a day before the EDSA People Power Anniversary to agitate the public and sow discord, and during the pivotal ICC pre-trial proceedings. This was a calculated strike designed to undermine the integrity of the proceedings and intimidate the ICC investigators and their witnesses,” Trillanes added.
In addition, the former senator filed perjury charges against the 18 ex-Marines for allegedly providing false testimony.
Ombudsman Jesus “Boying” Remulla said his office will review the allegations, noting that each of the 18 former Marines should submit individual statements rather than a joint affidavit.
“I think we know who’s behind it. We have to prove it. So, we’re not alleging anything now,” Remulla said.