Antonio Tiu files P4-M defamation case vs. Trillanes

The businessman accused of being the dummy or front of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday filed a P4-million defamation case against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a television report said.

A live report on GMA News TV's “QRT” said Antonio Tiu filed the case with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Wednesday morning. Aside from P4 million in moral damages, he is also seeking compensation for exemplary damages and lawyer fees at P500,000 each.

According to Gabriel Paolo de Guzman, one of Tiu's lawyers, the case stemmed from Trillanes' defamatory statements to the media against his client. He refused to give further details, saying he was not Tiu's spokesperson.

However, the "QRT" report said the case cited instances when Trillanes called Tiu a dummy or front for Binay, who is accused of having hidden wealth.

Tiu claimed that the statements made by the senator have affected his businesses, particularly his two publicly-listed companies, which saw a decrease in share prices, the report said.

The businessman was also quoted as saying that Trillanes' tirades have caused him "sleepless nights, wounded feelings, mental anguish, and public ridicule."

For his part, Trillanes said he will face the charges and that Tiu "can file all he wants," adding that he has "been through worse political battles."

On Wednesday morning, Tiu's lawyer, Charina Quintanilla, announced that they would be filing a civil case for defamation against Trillanes.

That day, Tiu attended the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing on corruption charges against Binay in connection with the alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II.

On Tuesday, Tiu demanded a public apology from the senators and former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, who have claimed that the 350-hectare estate in Rosario, Batangas owned by his company is actually a Binay property.

Trillanes said he will not give in to Tiu's request, adding that he would instead prove that his claim against him is true. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KBK, GMANews