The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday filed criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 18 former Marines, lawyer Levi Baligod, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, broadcaster Jay Sonza and other personalities over allegations that he bribed officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The complaints stem from claims by the respondents that Trillanes received USD2 million from former congressman Zaldy Co—one of the officials linked to alleged “ghost” flood control projects—to be used for ICC personnel.
Trillanes rejected the accusation, calling it a fabricated story meant to discredit him and derail the ICC case.
“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 also accused Baligod and his associates of inventing the bribery narrative to revive what he described as a failed smear campaign.
“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 said.
The former senator also filed perjury charges against the 18 ex-Marines, accusing them of submitting false testimony in connection with the allegations.
Meanwhile, Jesus Remulla, who serves as ombudsman, said authorities will evaluate the accusations made by the Baligod group. He added that the 18 former Marines would be required to submit individual affidavits rather than a joint statement.
“I think we know who’s behind it. We have to prove it. So, we’re not alleging anything now,” Remulla said.