Former Senator Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV escalated his legal offensive on Monday, filing multiple counts of cyberlibel against 18 individuals identifying as “ex-Marines” over allegations that they delivered suitcases of cash to his residence.
The complaint, filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ), stemmed from a series of media appearances where the group claimed they transported "male-maletas" (suitcases) of money to Trillanes intended for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Trillanes noted that the group’s stories have become increasingly inconsistent since their initial appearance.
“Every time they are subjected to different interviews, their narratives evolve,” Trillanes said in a statement.
“They are now claiming they delivered money to my house in bags or in ‘male-maleta,’ which even contradicts their initial ‘joint’ affidavit and statements. Right there, you can see how they are weaving stories.”
The former senator’s complaint targets statements made across several platforms, including:
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An initial press conference and joint affidavit on Feb. 23.
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A March 1 interview with veteran journalist Jessica Soho.
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A March 5 press conference held in Pasig City.
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A recent broadcast on the SMNI network.
SMNI Hosts Included
The legal action also broadens the scope of Trillanes' targets. Included in the charge sheet are SMNI program hosts Byron “Banat By” Cristobal, Oliver “Coach Oli” M. Cristobal, “Master Judea,” and Arjay “Pareng Arjay” Piodina. Trillanes alleged the hosts induced and provoked the group into making the "malicious claims."
Furthermore, the other 18 individuals named in the suit are:
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Belnard E. Tube
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Rosebert M. Waupan
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Benny S. Bulontate
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Johnny A. Buduan
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Rodante P. Orbillo
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Reyneboy O. Julian
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Christopher T. Esquivel
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George O. Villalon, Jr.
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Romeo Rommel O. Bobares
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Gil N. Navidad, Jr.
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Anselmo Taberdo
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Joely G. Cadioa
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Rommel C. Galapon
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Cecilio S. Larroder, Jr.
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Bernard A. Gumban
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Crisanie L. Dado
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Fidel M. Corpuz, and
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Walter M. Manalansan
A Growing Legal List
This filing is the latest in a rapid-fire series of legal actions by the former senator. Trillanes has already filed a perjury case against the group, as well as separate cyberlibel charges on March 5 against high-profile figures, including:
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Atty. Levi Baligod
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Mike Defensor
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Jay Sonza
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Lorraine Badoy
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Cathy Binag
Trillanes warned that this is not the end of his litigation campaign.
“Hangga’t patuloy silang nagkakalat ng mga kasinungalingan nila, tuloy-tuloy lang ang mga isasampa kong kaso laban sa kanila. I will not stop as long as they keep opening their mouths to spew lies.”
