Trillanes says Paolo Duterte’s ‘hidden wealth’ linked to smuggling, illegal drugs

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday said Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte’s alleged ill-gotten wealth may have been sourced from smuggling operations and illegal drugs.

Trillanes said this in an interview after he claimed that the vice mayor, son of President Rodrigo Duterte, is a member of the drug triad.

“Yung source ng kanilang ill-gotten wealth ay maaaring nanggaling both sa smuggling operations tsaka sa illegal drugs. Yun ang aking pinupunto kaso na-stonewall na tayo,” the senator said.

During the blue ribbon committee hearing on the smuggling of P6.4-billion shabu, Trillanes said he received information from a “foreign country” that Paolo Duterte may be part of the triad.

He said the triad operates in countries such as China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and is engaged in various illegal activities, including the importation of illegal drugs.

According to Trillanes, the membership of Duterte in a triad could be proven by a colored, dragon-like tattoo on his back.

While Duterte admitted that he had a tattoo on his back, he did not answer any questions regarding its appearance as he invoked his right to privacy.

The vice mayor refused to show his back, telling Trillanes “no way.” Duterte and his brother-in-law, lawyer Mans Carpio, both denied any involvement in smuggling operations.

Trillanes said he is certain that President Duterte knows that his son is a member of the drug triad.

“I am sure alam niya yan,” he said.

Trillanes had also alleged that the Davao vice mayor has P104 million in total deposits in his bank accounts. He challenged Paolo to sign a bank secrecy waiver, which the vice mayor refused.

Asked whether he intends to file cases against Paolo, Trillanes said the option is still being studied by his camp’s lawyers.

“Pwede natin ma-compel na mabuksan yang [bank accounts] eventually by having cases filed dito kay Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte for hidden wealth and ill-gotten wealth. Dahil vice mayor siya, public official siya, hindi niya na-i-report sa SALN (statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth),” Trillanes said.

“Once the cases are filed, pwede gawin ng Ombudsman na unahin yung authentic documents from AMLC, the same way yung kay Duterte,” he added, referring to the Anti-Money Laundering Council. — RSJ, GMA News