Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed perjury and cyber libel complaints against 18 men claiming to be ex-Marines, along with lawyer Levi Baligod, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, and influencers Jay Sonza and Cathy Binag, over allegations they delivered cash-filled bags to him and others.
Trillanes denied receiving any bribes and accused the group of manufacturing a “bribery” narrative to revive a smear campaign timed with the ICC’s pre-trial proceedings on crimes against humanity linked to former President Duterte.
He claimed the statements were meant to intimidate ICC investigators and could be used by Duterte’s defense to disrupt the trial.
Trillanes expects the 18 men to recant and reveal those orchestrating what he called a well-funded conspiracy to damage reputations.
Legal experts and officials, including Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, have weighed in, noting that the affidavits spanning 30 months could undermine the credibility of the claims, while some former military officials expressed support for the men’s statements.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 6, 2026
