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MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV filed criminal complaints against the 18 former "Marines," their lawyer Levi Baligod, and several personalities over allegations that he received bribes linked to the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The complaints were filed before the Department of Justice Thursday, March 5.
Trillanes also filed cyberlibel and incriminating innocent persons complaints against former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, Lorraine Badoy, vlogger Cathy Binag, and broadcaster Jay Sonza.
He also filed perjury complaints against the 18 former "Marines."
Allegations 'fabricated'
Trillanes said the claim that he received $2 million from fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co and ICC personnel was "fabricated" to undermine the integrity of the international tribunal's investigation into Duterte.
"Itong ginawa nila ay paninira lang, hindi lang sa akin… kundi doon din sa mga investigator ng ICC to cast doubt sa integrity ng ICC investigations," Trillanes said.
(What they did is nothing but a smear campaign—not just against me, but also against the ICC investigators—to cast doubt on the integrity of the ICC investigations.)
He added that the alleged campaign may be linked to Duterte's allies.
"Antayin niyo lang lalabas kung ano talaga kung sino ang nasa likod nito. Magkano ang buong proyektong 'yan," he said.
(Just wait and the truth will come out about who is really behind this and how much the whole project cost.)
Meeting with Remulla
One allegation raised by the 18 former "Marines" involved a supposed meeting between Trillanes, Ombudsman Samuel Martires, and ICC investigators.
Trillanes confirmed that a meeting took place but declined to provide further details.
The complaint filed by Trillanes marks the second case lodged at the DOJ related to the testimony of the former military personnel.
On March 4, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año also filed complaints against Defensor, Baligod, and the 18 former "Marines."
'Political tipping point'
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier warned that the controversy could be an attempt to trigger a political crisis.
"Tipping points they are trying to create [a] political tipping point what more?" Remulla said.
"We know it. They want a branch of the service to rise up in arms," he added in mixed English and Filipino.
Remulla also assured the public that the Office of the Ombudsman would remain impartial in investigating the affidavit submitted by the 18 former "Marines."
"Basta fair kami. We are here to be fair," he said. (We are fair. We are here to be fair.)
NBI investigation. The National Bureau of Investigation has also been tasked to probe the issue.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said on March 4 that the Office of the Ombudsman deputized the agency to investigate the incident, including the joint affidavits and allegations made by the 18 former "Marines."
