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Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and President Rodrigo Duterte. Composite

 

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Trillanes '100%' sure evidences vs. Duterte sufficient in ICC confirmation of charges hearing

Darylle Sarmiento

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Former senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV expressed full confidence that the prosecution’s case for crimes against humanity for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will proceed to a full trial before the International Criminal Court.“I’m a 100% sure na kumpleto ang kanilang evidence bakit? Kasi, ang polisiya ng ICC prosecution ay magfa-file lang sila ng application for warrant of arrest pagkanakamit na nila yung threshold of certainty of conviction. Meaning, hindi sila magpapaissue ng warrant of arrest pagkahindi pa buo yung kaso nila enough to convict,&quot; he said.This was Trillanes’ observation following the first day of the confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/24/duterte-drew-up-death-lists-boasted-about-murders-icc-prosecutor-1942">Duterte drew up &#x27;death lists&#x27;, boasted about murders: ICC prosecutor</a></div>“Nakita natin na handang-handa yung prosecution. Pinapakita nila yung iba’t ibang ebidensya at yun ang basis nila para i prove yung mga alegasyon,” said Trillanes.Trillanes reiterated that the prosecution is equipped with substantial evidence, which he said Duterte’s defense lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, failed to effectively counter.“I don’t think the judges ng ICC would receive it well. Kasi, ebidensya syempre ang kailangan makita natin. Ano ang sagot mo doon sa pinresenta ng prosecution? So, wala siya nun,&quot; According to Trillanes.According to Trillanes, Kaufman appeared to be directing his statements toward Duterte’s supporters, focusing mainly on claims that the case buildup against Duterte was purely political.Trillanes viewed this as a tactic appealing to emotion rather than addressing the evidence presented by the prosecution.However, Kaufman firmly maintains that Duterte is innocent, despite the evidence presented against him.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/24/list-key-points-from-duterte-s-first-icc-pre-trial-hearing-1233">LIST: Key points from Duterte&#x27;s first ICC pre-trial hearing</a></div>When asked about the defense team’s request to disclose the redacted information of witnesses against Duterte, Trillanes said doing so could be dangerous, citing what he described as the Duterte camp’s alleged capacity to threaten or harm individuals.“Alam naman natin yung capacity ng mga Duterte na saktan at patayin itong mga testigo na to. Kaya, very very careful ang prosecution diyan at hopefully hindi naman ito payagan,” Said Trillanes.He added that as co-perpetrators are identified in the ICC proceedings, those who could potentially face arrest warrants next may include Senators Christopher Lawrence &quot;Bong&quot; Go, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and former Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde.“Sabihin nalang natin, na kinalaunan apat siguro ang maissuehan ng warrant kasama na si Digong doon. Bong Go, Bato, and at most baka si Albayalde,” According to Trillanes.In 2017, then Senator Trillanes and Magdalo’s party Representative Gary Alejano filed a supplemental complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague against Duterte.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/24/prosecution-urges-icc-to-reject-duterte-camp-s-bizarre-request-to-disclose-witness-whereabouts-1052">Prosecution urges ICC to reject Duterte camp’s ‘bizarre’ request to disclose witness whereabouts</a></div><div> </div><div>&#x27;KAKASUHAN KO SILA NG CYBER LIBEL&#x27;</div>The former senator also denied allegations that he accepted $2,000,000 from former congressman Elizaldy Co in connection to his efforts regarding the International Criminal Court investigation.In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News on Tuesday, he categorically refuted such claims.“I categorically and vehemently deny na may tinanggap akong $2,000,000 o kahit na ano mang halaga galing kay Zaldy Co para sa ICC operation,” According to Trillanes.The allegations surfaced after a group of former soldiers, during a press conference held earlier, claimed they were instructed to deliver $2 million—allegedly intended for ICC investigators—to Trillanes instead.Trillanes dismissed the accusations, saying they were clearly intended to undermine the credibility of the ICC amid ongoing proceedings.“Ito ay para dungisan yung integrity, credibility ng ICC in light of what’s happening now. The ongoing ICC confirmation of charges hearing.” Trillanes said.He noted that in recent months, discussions surrounding the so-called luggage of money—referred to as “basura”—did not include any link to the ICC. According to him, the sudden emergence of the claim appears designed to divert attention and discredit the tribunal.Trillanes added that he would not let the matter go unanswered and is preparing to file charges against lawyer Levi Baligod, former congressman Mike Defensor, former media personality Jay Sonza, and several former soldiers, along with others allegedly responsible for spreading what he described as malicious information.“Hindi natin papayagan yan, kakasuhan ko sila ng cyber libel at hindi lang yan bukod pa riyan, I am sure itong ICC ay kakasuhan rin sila ng obstruction of justice for violating article 17 of the Rome Statute.” According to TrillanesHe reiterated that the allegations carry serious implications and stressed that those responsible must be held accountable for their actions.

“I’m a 100% sure na kumpleto ang kanilang evidence. Kasi, ang polisiya ng ICC prosecution ay magfa-file lang sila ng application for warrant of arrest pagkanakamit na nila yung threshold of certainty of conviction," he said.

“I’m a 100% sure na kumpleto ang kanilang evidence. Kasi, ang polisiya ng ICC prosecution ay magfa-file lang sila ng application for warrant of arrest pagkanakamit na nila yung threshold of certainty of conviction," he said.

Trillanes '100%' sure evidence vs. Duterte sufficient in confirmation of charges hearing

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Trillanes '100%' sure evidence vs. Duterte sufficient in confirmation of charges hearing

Darylle Sarmiento,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 24, 2026 10:20 PM PHT

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Updated Feb 25, 2026 08:17 AM PHT

Read More:

Sonny Trillanes

ICC

Rodrigo Duterte

The Hague

Bong Go

Bato dela Rosa

Oscar Albayalde

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