Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. urged former senator Antonio Trillanes IV to submit evidence supporting his allegations of Chinese funding linked to the Duterte family.
Teodoro made the statement after being asked to comment on Trillanes’ claim that Chinese funds were allegedly provided to the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance to boost the political career of Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The allegations of Fmr. Senator Trillanes, if substantiated, raise serious implications for national security,” Teodoro said in a statement sent to Malacañang.
The defense chief urged Trillanes to turn over any evidence in his possession to law enforcement authorities for a formal investigation.
“He should submit the evidence in his possession, if any, to our law enforcement authorities so the matter can be thoroughly investigated,” Teodoro said.
Trillanes has alleged that Chinese funding was provided to groups and entities associated with the Duterte family. He has presented documents and financial records that he said support his claims.
However, the allegations have yet to be independently established by authorities.
The Duterte camp has rejected Trillanes’ accusations, with Vice President Sara Duterte’s spokesperson, Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., describing the claims as fabricated and questioning why Trillanes did not present them under oath during the impeachment proceedings.
