Manila: Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has submitted a third libel complaint to the Department of Justice (DOJ) targeting 18 former bodyguards of fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co. The complaint also includes Senators Allan Peter Cayetano and Rodante Marcoleta as respondents due to statements made during a hearing on June 4 regarding alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

According to Philippines News agency, the complaint originates from proceedings advanced by the Cayetano bloc, despite an announcement by acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian that no official Senate business would be conducted that day. Trillanes claimed that the event, referred to as the "Blue Ribbon hearing," was a politically motivated maneuver intended to harm political figures critical of the Duterte family, including the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Trillanes accused the 18 former bodyguards, some of whom identified as former Philippine Marines, of collaborating with Cayetano and Marcoleta. He argued that their collective actions, including a joint sworn statement and participation in the June 4 hearing, demonstrated a coordinated effort to fabricate claims and support each other's assertions.

During the June 4 proceedings, the former bodyguards alleged involvement in transporting cash linked to anomalous flood control projects, claiming some funds were directed toward individuals critical of former president Rodrigo Duterte. They suggested the money was intended to aid the ICC's investigation into Duterte's war on drugs, allegations Trillanes has consistently refuted.

Trillanes rejected the allegations, describing them as falsehoods. He maintained that he, along with former Magdalo Partylist Representative Gary Alejano and the late Atty. Jude Sabio, had opposed Duterte's war on drugs policy as early as 2017, bringing the issue before the ICC.