ICC prosecutor’s office rejects claim probe was ‘funded’ by Trillanes, Co
The International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) has rejected claims that its investigation into the Duterte drug war was funded by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy 'Zaldy' Co, asserting its independence.
The International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) categorically rejected claims that its investigation into former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war was funded by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and ex-Ako Bicol Representative Arnolfo 'Zaldy' Co. In official statements released on February 26, 2026, the OTP asserted that all its operations, including mission-related costs and investigative efforts, are entirely financed through the ICC's independently managed budget approved by the Assembly of States Parties. The office emphasized its strict adherence to financial regulations and maintained complete autonomy in gathering information and evaluating sources.
The allegations originated from 18 self-proclaimed former Philippine Marines, represented by lawyer Levito Baligod, who claimed during a press conference to have delivered suitcases containing P805 million from flood control project kickbacks to various officials. They specifically alleged that $2 million was given to Trillanes in December 2023 to fund ICC investigators' activities in the Philippines. The group provided photos as evidence and accused the ICC probe of lacking independence by relying only on witnesses referred by Trillanes.
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV vehemently denied receiving any funds, characterizing the claims as a deliberate tactic by the Duterte camp to undermine ICC proceedings ahead of upcoming charge confirmation hearings. Trillanes warned that publicizing details about ICC investigators or witnesses could constitute obstruction of justice under Article 70 of the Rome Statute. Malacañang Palace, through press officer Claire Castro, echoed this position, stating that the accusations were designed to strip the ICC of credibility.
The controversy emerges against the backdrop of the Philippines' 2019 withdrawal from the ICC under Duterte's administration. The former president faces an ICC arrest warrant for crimes against humanity related to thousands of extrajudicial killings during his anti-drug campaign. The OTP's strong rejection of external funding claims reinforces the court's institutional independence as it continues its investigation into one of the most high-profile cases in its history.
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