Trillanes sues 18 ‘ex-Marines,’ SMNI hosts for cyber libel over ICC bribery claim

MANILA, Philippines – Former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV on Monday, March 23, filed a new criminal complaint before the Department of Justice against the 18 “ex-Marines” and other personalities stemming from the allegation that he delivered bribe money to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Trillanes filed the cyber libel complaint against the group nearly three weeks after he filed a perjury complaint against them, as well as a cyber libel complaint against their lawyer, Levi Baligod, former congressman Mike Defensor, former broadcaster Jay Sonza, Lorraine Badoy, and vlogger Cathy Binag.

“Every time they are subjected to different interviews, their narratives evolve. They are now claiming they delivered money to my house in bags or in ‘male-maleta,’ which even contradicts their initial ‘joint’ affidavit and statements. Dito pa lang, makikita mo na kung paano sila naghahabi ng mga kuwento (Just with this, you can see how they fabricate stories),” Trillanes said.

He added that the latest complaint would not be the last. “I will not stop as long as they keep opening their mouths to spew lies,” Trillanes said.

Trillanes anchored his complaint on the February 23 press conference of the “ex-Marines,” their joint affidavit, their interview with Jessica Soho aired on March 1, 2026, their March 5 press conference in Pasig, and an SMNI interview.

Also named in the cyber libel complaint are SMNI hosts  Byron “Banat By” Cristobal, Oliver “Coach Oli” Cristobal, “Master Judea,” and Arjay “Pareng Arjay” Piodina “for inducing and provoking the malicious claims,” Trillanes’ press statement said.

The 18  “ex-Marines” are Belnard Tube, Rosebert Waupan, Benny Bulontate, Johnny Buduan, Rodante Orbillo, Reyneboy Julian, Christopher Esquivel, George Villalon Jr., Romeo Rommel Bobares, Gil Navidad, Jr., Anselmo Taberdo, Joely Cadioa, Rommel Galapon, Cecilio  Larroder Jr., Bernard Gumban, Crisanie Dado, Fidel Corpuz, and Walter  Manalansan.

Others who had filed criminal complaints against them are ML Representative Leila de Lima, Ramon Magsaysay awardee Father Flavie Villanueva, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

De Lima, Trillanes, and others had questioned the timing of the “exposé” or around the time of the ICC confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague. – Rappler.com