By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — In a bold move, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has filed a cyberlibel complaint at the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 18 ex-Marines and four SMNI hosts, alleging they’ve spread false accusations about him receiving $2 million in bribes to influence the ICC probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
Trillanes calls the claims “malicious” and “part of a smear campaign” orchestrated by the Duterte camp. He’s been cooperating with the ICC since 2017 and denies any wrongdoing.
The complaint targets ex-Marines and SMNI personalities Byron Cristobal, Oliver Cristobal, Master Judea, and Arjay Piodina for allegedly amplifying the false claims. Trillanes had previously filed perjury complaints against the group, accusing them of lying about delivering cash to him and other officials.
The case highlights the intense political drama unfolding in the Philippines, with Trillanes at the center of a heated battle against his political foes.
IA/MNM
