In a media release dated October 3, Duterte’s spokesperson Salvador Paolo A. Panelo Jr. accused Trillanes of repeatedly making allegations against the Duterte family involving extrajudicial killings, alleged drug links, unexplained wealth, corruption and supposed connections to China.
"Since 2016, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has been peddling the same exhausted lies regarding Extrajudicial Killings (EJKs), fabricated drug links, imaginary unexplained wealth, baseless corruption allegations, and fictional China connections against the Duterte family," the statement said.
Panelo also questioned Trillanes’ decision to step back from testifying before the Senate impeachment court, saying he could have faced cross-examination from Duterte’s defense team.
" Yet, the moment he was faced with the very first opportunity to test his wild claims against actual facts, verified records, and law through cross-examination by the Vice President’s defense team, Trillanes folded. Instead of defending his claims under oath, he chose the comfort of a safe and scripted press conference where his lies could once again go unchallenged," according to Panelo.
The Vice President’s camp said it remains prepared to address any allegations that may be presented before the impeachment court and will rely on evidence and records submitted during the proceedings.
Panelo said the Vice President would gladly sue him for these endless fabrications, but he said they have already witnessed how those who actively peddle malicious lies against her and her family are openly protected and propped up by this administration, as clearly seen in the cases of Ramil Madriaga and their latest pawn, Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
The statement also defended Duterte against what the camp described as efforts to politically damage her, while maintaining that the allegations against her can be challenged through the evidence before the Senate impeachment court.
"Because of these repeated, unmasked deceptions, the Filipino people have rightfully and overwhelmingly rejected Trillanes in every subsequent attempt to get elected back into public office," Panelo said.