Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima warned the public of the accusations against Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, citing the recent remarks made by a former senator.

“I have always believed that principled disagreements can strengthen movements—if they are rooted in truth and guided by respect. But when public accusations are based on conjecture, and when they target allies instead of adversaries, the damage falls not only on individual reputations but on the greater cause we all claim to serve,” de Lima wrote in a statement released on Wednesday, August 6.

Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV had previously claimed in a media interview that Robredo had no intention to surrender former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) had she won the 2022 presidential elections. In addition, Trillanes claimed that Senator Bam Aquino was among the individuals who had requested to delay Duterte’s ICC arrest warrant, as it might affect their candidacies.

Although de Lima clarified that she cannot speak on behalf of Robredo, she finds the claim difficult to believe.

“Sabi pa niya, habang pinag-uusapan ang due process sa kaso ni Duterte, hindi raw niya maiwasang balikan ang mga panahong ako ang inaresto at ikinulong sa kabila ng mga gawa-gawang paratang. Para sa kanya, accountability must apply to all. Walang puwang ang double standard sa hustisyang inaasam natin,” de Lima wrote.

The lady solon also expressed hurt with how things turned out, stating that she considers Trillanes as a friend and a co-warrior against “Duterte’s excesses and evils.”

This is not a time to raise suspicions or fight with your allies, the lawmaker highlighted. Instead, the lawmaker urged her allies not to hand ammunition to those wishing to discredit them.

Although the lawmaker is unsure of where the accusations came from, she is certain of their effects, citing division, distraction, and disinformation.

“Sa halip na tumutok sa mga dapat singilin sa kapalpakan at kasinungalingan, tayo pa mismo ang nagkakahiwa-hiwalay,” she said, telling people not to mistake allies for enemies.

“Ang laban natin ay hindi laban sa isa’t isa. Ang laban natin ay laban para sa bayan. Para sa hustisya. Para sa katotohanan. Para sa mga Pilipinong matagal nang pinagkaitan ng dignidad at katarungan,” she added.