Former Senator Trillanes and ICC Reject Claims of $2 Million Funding in Drug War Probe

Manila, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV and the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor have rejected allegations that Trillanes received $2 million from businessman and former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co to finance the ICC’s investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs.”

The claims, raised publicly by a group of 18 individuals presented as former Philippine Marines and their lawyer, Levito Baligod, alleged the money was meant to “fund” the ICC investigation and was allegedly intended to bribe ICC personnel. Trillanes denied the accusation and said he would pursue legal action. The ICC prosecutor’s office also stated that its investigative work is funded through the court’s approved budget and that it does not accept external funding for investigations.

Allegations raised by lawyer-led group

Baligod appeared in a press briefing with 18 men he identified as former Philippine Marine Corps personnel. In their account, they claimed involvement in delivering cash and facilitating logistical support connected to alleged investigative activities in the Philippines. Baligod said the funds allegedly originated from Co and were linked to Trillanes, with the stated purpose of supporting the ICC drug-war probe.

Details presented in the briefing included assertions about cash deliveries and alleged arrangements tied to the ICC investigation. As of publication, Philippine authorities and the ICC have not authenticated the group’s claims, and no documentary proof was publicly presented that would independently verify the alleged transactions.

Trillanes denies receiving money, says he will file cases

Trillanes issued a categorical denial, stating he did not receive any money from Co or from any other source for the ICC investigation or for any related purpose. He described the allegation as fabricated and part of an attempt to discredit the ICC process related to killings linked to the anti-drug campaign.

He also announced plans to pursue legal remedies, including cyberlibel complaints against those spreading the allegation.

ICC prosecutor’s office says investigations are budget-funded

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor, responding publicly, stated that its activities are funded through the ICC’s official budget approved by the Assembly of States Parties. The office said it does not accept external funding for its investigative work and that its financial management is subject to internal rules and controls.

The prosecutor’s office also said the allegation was misleading and reiterated its position that the ICC’s investigative operations are institutionally funded.

Senate verification moves and Navy clarification

The allegation drew attention in the Senate, where lawmakers signaled intent to review the claims and verify the identities and service records of the individuals presented as “former Marines.” Senate officials said verification efforts would focus on the credibility of the information and whether any actionable evidence exists.

Separately, the Philippine Navy said some of the individuals presented publicly were not members of the Navy or Marine Corps, and it cited the need for the public to rely on verified information. Reports also indicated that several of those named were no longer in service, including individuals described as having been separated under adverse circumstances.

Background: ICC drug-war case and jurisdiction

The ICC is pursuing an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to killings connected to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, but the ICC has maintained that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a state party.

ICC proceedings related to the drug-war case have remained a recurring point of political and legal debate in the Philippines, particularly regarding accountability, cooperation with international mechanisms, and the credibility of claims circulating in public discourse.

Why it matters

The dispute over the alleged $2 million payment comes amid heightened attention to the ICC process and to domestic political disputes surrounding the drug-war case. If proven, claims of outside funding or bribery connected to an international judicial process could raise serious questions about integrity and accountability, both domestically and internationally.

However, unverified allegations—particularly those involving serious criminal claims—can also distort public understanding of ongoing legal proceedings and influence political narratives. For these reasons, verification by official institutions, clear documentation, and due process are central to assessing any claims tied to the ICC investigation.

Conclusion

As of the latest available information, the allegation that Trillanes received $2 million from Co to fund and allegedly bribe ICC personnel remains unverified, while Trillanes and the ICC prosecutor’s office have publicly rejected the claim. Philippine lawmakers have signaled plans to check the credibility of the individuals involved and examine the allegations in official proceedings, alongside institutional clarifications from the Philippine Navy.