Duterte’s son, in-law file libel suit vs Trillanes

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte’s eldest son Paolo and son-in-law Manases Carpio have filed separate libel cases against Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

Paolo Duterte, the former vice mayor of this city, is accusing Trillanes of defaming him and his family during an interview with Leo Lastimosa of local radio station dyAB Cebu on Sept. 8, 2017.

Carpio, husband of this city’s Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, also filed a civil case for damages against Trillanes before a regional trial court in this city.

In his complaint filed Thursday in a local court here, Paolo Duterte said Trillanes defamed him and his family by accusing him of corruption and extortion involving Uber and other companies regulated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Road Board and Department of Public Works and Highways.

The libel suit came on the heels of President Duterte’s voiding of the amnesty granted by then president Benigno Aquino III to Trillanes, who faced court-martial for participating in a mutiny and coup attempt when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was president. 

Carpio, in his complaint, said Trillanes’ interview “was and is intended to malign, destroy and kill my good name and reputation” especially because his wife is the President’s daughter.

Paolo said he was “aghast” at Trillanes’ accusations.