MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is gearing up to file cyberlibel complaints against lawyer Levi Baligod, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, broadcaster Jay Sonza, and 18 former members of the Philippine Marines, following claims that he allegedly funded the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The controversy erupted after Baligod presented an affidavit during a press conference at Club Filipino, asserting that Trillanes and former Congressman Zaldy Co allegedly provided $2 million to cover ICC-related expenses. According to the affidavit, the money was used for hotel accommodations, meals, transportation, and other logistical needs when ICC investigators visited the Philippines in December 2023.

Trillanes has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “fabricated” and politically motivated attempts to discredit the ICC proceedings. On social media, he warned, “This is not new to me. I will not be distracted. Hahabulin ko kayo,” signaling his intention to pursue legal action against those spreading what he describes as blatant falsehoods.

Baligod, on the other hand, indicated that the affidavit would first be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman before public release, leaving many questions about the timing, motives, and veracity of the claims.

This incident underscores the increasingly blurred line between politics and social media, where allegations can spread rapidly, potentially affecting reputations and legal processes before proper verification. It raises important questions about accountability, freedom of expression, and the risks of weaponizing digital platforms for political ends. As both sides prepare for legal confrontation, the nation is left to ponder: in a landscape dominated by viral claims and online narratives, how can truth and justice prevail? (Larawan mula: Antonio Sonny ‘Trillanes’ IV / Facebook)