Trillanes files cyberlibel complaint vs Senators Cayetano, Marcoleta over June 4 hearing

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday filed a cyberlibel complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Rodante Marcoleta in connection with the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on June 4, which he described as a “rogue” proceeding.

Also named in the complaint were 18 individuals who had claimed they delivered cash from former congressman Zaldy Co to several personalities.

Trillanes argued that Cayetano and Marcoleta no longer had the authority to conduct the hearing and were therefore not covered by parliamentary immunity. “Sila ‘yung nag facilitate noon, nag extract nung mga kasinungalingan na sinabi nung mga 18 bodyguards, ‘no?” Trillanes said in an ambush interview.

In his complaint, Trillanes alleged that the two senators conspired with the 18 respondents. He claimed that Cayetano reinforced the accusations made during the hearing by making what he described as similarly defamatory remarks.

He also accused Marcoleta of suggesting that his alleged links to the International Criminal Court (ICC) were “rapacious and traitorous.”

Trillanes pointed out that leadership changes in the Senate had already taken place before the hearing. He noted that the former minority bloc, together with Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, had earlier elected Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President while Cayetano and several majority bloc members continued to be absent from plenary sessions.

The Senate leadership changes also included new committee chairmanships.

“The day before [the hearing], napalitan na si Cayetano. Napalitan na rin si Marcoleta bilang Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. And yet pinursue nila ‘yun,” he said.

According to Trillanes, the 18 individuals repeated accusations against him during the hearing, including claims that they delivered suitcases of cash to him in connection with the ICC.

“Because of that wala silang parliamentary immunity. Muli inulit nila ‘yung mga kasinungalingan na sinabi nila na nag bigay sila ng male-maletang pera sa akin para sa ICC. Hindi po totoo ‘yun,” he said.

Trillanes had previously filed separate perjury and cyberlibel complaints against the 18 former bodyguards in March. He said those cases have already been submitted for resolution.

He warned that the respondents would eventually face legal consequences if they continued to cooperate with those he described as their political backers.

“Itong mga 18 ex-bodyguards na ito, habang patuloy silang nagpapagamit doon sa mga political backers nila ay ano, meron silang kakaharapin na consequence,” he said.