PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte revealed Saturday that he would publicly release records of bank accounts of his staunch critic, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, "in a few days."
Duterte made the announcement during the closing rites of the 26th Mindanao Business Conference held in Cagayan de Oro City.
The President hit back at Trillanes, saying he is now holding evidence against the senator.
Duterte said he obtained copies of documents showing details of Trillanes' bank accounts. He, however, did not mention a specific amount of the supposed bank transactions.
"[Trillanes is] foisting these lies that I was having P200 million [in bank transactions]. Now, [he targets] my child. We were the favorite targets," the President said.
"I am coming up with Trillanes' bank deposits all over. I got it already. He thought I don't have the capacity to do it as well. So I am giving you in a few days the number of deposits that he has with Chinese joint account. It's all over – Hong Kong, Australia, America," he added.
Duterte's statement came amid the senator's persistent allegations that the Chief Executive and his family have ill-gotten wealth and are involved in corruption.
In February, Trillanes revived his claim that Duterte’s bank account reached about P2.4 billion from 2006 to 2015. He claimed the money came from illegal activities.
Trillanes also linked Duterte's son and son-in-law, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and lawyer Manases Carpio, to smuggling activities in the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
At the Senate probe into the BOC mess held on September 7, the senator accused the presidential son of being a member of a triad and owning over P104.28 million in various bank accounts in Davao City.
Trillanes also alleged that Carpio and his wife, presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, deposited more than P121.1 million in several bank accounts in Davao City and other areas in the country.
Duterte reiterated that he would give up his presidency if anyone can prove the corruption allegations against his family.
He, however, stressed that he would not step down from office if allegations hurled against him and his family are based on "hearsay."
"Now, I gave you my commitment when I won that there will be no corruption as I have told you. And if you can smell one with my daughter who is the mayor of Davao City and then Pulong who could prove supposed irregularities, [I will resign]. I won't accept hearsay," the President said.
"I said I'm willing to resign immediately. I do not have illusions of the presidency perpetrating in power," he added.
On September 8, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella called on Trillanes to present "validated" proofs instead of throwing "baseless" accusations against the presidential family. (SunStar Philippines)