Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed a criminal complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 18 individuals who identified themselves as former marines, along with several other personalities, over allegations linking him to a bribery scheme related to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The complaint adds to the legal issues faced by the 18 individuals who previously claimed to be former members of the Philippine Marines.
Also named in the complaint were lawyer Levito Baligod, former congressman Mike Defensor, broadcaster Jay Sonza, former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson Lorraine Badoy, and vlogger Cathy Binag.
The complaint stemmed from allegations circulated by the respondents claiming that Trillanes was involved in a bribery scheme connected to the ICC investigation.
According to Trillanes, the claims that he received $2 million from Zaldy Co in exchange for cooperating with ICC officials are false.
Trillanes said that as a complainant in the ICC case since 2017, communication with investigators is a normal part of the process of gathering evidence and identifying witnesses.
He added that he continues to coordinate with the ICC regarding the case.
The former senator also asserted that the allegations against him were part of an effort to disrupt the ICC proceedings and weaken the credibility of witnesses involved in the case.
In the complaint, Trillanes specifically charged Baligod with cyberlibel and incriminating an innocent person.
Meanwhile, Defensor, Sonza, Badoy and Binag were also included in the complaint over their alleged role in spreading the accusations.
Perjury charges were also filed against the individuals identified as former marines over what were described as false testimonies.
The complaint was formally filed before the Department of Justice for evaluation and possible legal action.
