Former Senator Trillanes Takes Legal Action Over Defamatory $2M Bribery Claims
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has announced his intention to file cyberlibel cases against several personalities and former soldiers who have been circulating malicious information alleging he accepted a $2 million bribe. The allegations claim the funds were intended to advance the International Criminal Court's investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Vehement Denial of Allegations
In a strong statement, Trillanes firmly denied the accusations, stating they originated from Zaldy Co to fund the prosecution of Duterte. "I vehemently deny that I received $2M or any amount from Zaldy Co for the ICC investigation or any other purpose. This is an attempt to discredit the ongoing ICC proceedings against Duterte," emphasized Trillanes.
Targeted Individuals and Legal Strategy
The former senator identified specific individuals he plans to sue, including:
- Levi Baligod
- Mike Defensor
- Jay Sonza
- 18 former soldiers
According to Trillanes, these defamatory actions represent a clear attempt to undermine the credibility of the ongoing international court investigation. He asserted that such smear campaigns will not deter him from pursuing justice through legal channels.
Unwavering Commitment to Legal Action
"I will be filing cyberlibel cases against Levi Baligod, Mike Defensor, Jay Sonza, the 18 ex-soldiers, and all those who are maliciously circulating this blatant lie. This is not new to me. I will not be distracted. Hahabulin ko kayo," threatened the former senator, using a mix of English and Filipino to emphasize his determination to pursue legal action against those spreading what he calls false information.
Trillanes maintains that these allegations are part of a broader pattern of attempts to discredit his involvement with ICC proceedings, and he remains focused on addressing these matters through proper legal avenues rather than being sidetracked by what he characterizes as baseless accusations.
