MANILA, Philippines — February 26, 2026. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has strongly denied allegations that he received $2 million to bribe judges of the International Criminal Court in The Hague in connection with the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.

In interviews with local media, Trillanes described the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. “This is a clear attempt to discredit the ICC proceedings and to divert attention from the real issues,” he said.

The allegations were reportedly made by lawyer Levito Baligod and former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who claimed that Trillanes acted as a conduit for the supposed bribe. Trillanes has vowed to file cyber libel complaints against those spreading the accusation.

He emphasized that he has no involvement in any financial dealings related to the ICC and reiterated his support for the Court’s investigation into Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. “I categorically deny these malicious claims. I will not allow lies to undermine the pursuit of justice,” Trillanes added.

The ICC continues its proceedings against Duterte, who faces charges of crimes against humanity over thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings during his administration. The bribery allegation has added another layer of controversy to the politically charged case, but Trillanes insists it is nothing more than a smear campaign.

This latest denial underscores the heated atmosphere surrounding the ICC investigation, as allies and critics of Duterte clash over accountability and the credibility of international justice.