Trillanes on Paras: He has zero-credibility of a cellphone thief

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday shrugged off the complaint filed by Labor Undersecretary Jacinto Paras against him.

Though he denied Paras' allegation of grave threat, Trillanes said he is willing to face the complaint.

"Walang katotohanan 'yan. Paras has the zero-credibility of a cellphone thief," he told GMA News Online via text, referring to an incident where Akbayan party-list Representative Tom Villarin accused Paras of stealing his mobile phone.

"Ganun pa man, haharapin ko 'yan. Pero makikita natin dito na gagawin lahat ng mga alagad ni Duterte para ma-distract o ma-harass ang mga taga-oposisyon."

Trillanes issued the statement moments after Paras, a former lawmaker,  filed criminal charges against him in connection with his alleged threat to "finish" the labor official off.

The two officials crossed paths at the Senate on May 29, where Paras alleged Trillanes pointed to him and said, "Ang lakas ng loob mo. Hindi magtatagal ang amo mo. Matatapos din 'yan. Yayariin kita. Mersenaryo ka. Yayariin kita."

Paras has denied stealing Villarin's phone. —Amita Legaspi/KBK, GMA News