The Duterte camps answered the allegations made by Sen.Antonio Trillanes about the undeclared wealth deposited by the country’s most popular candidate on social media, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who allegedly deposited in the Bank of the Philippine Islands amounting to P211 million. According to Peter Tiu Lavina, the allegations of Sen. Trillanes was just part of the smear campaign being raised against the mayor.
Sen. Trillanes accused Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for his alleged non-declaration of the huge amount to his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). He was quoted as saying “I stand by my track record in exposing political pretenders like Mayor Duterte. I am now so motivated to make sure that he doesn’t become the president of our country” Trillanes said who also challenged Duterte to sue him for libel.”
The spokesperson of Mayor Rody Duterte noted that the accusations against Trillanes is just part of the smear campaign and suing Sen. Trillanes would just be a waste of time. He was quoted as saying “It’s part of the smear campaign being raised against the mayor especially right now. His opponents are practicing crab mentality, trying to him down with all these baseless accusations” Laviña said.
Mayor Duterte’s camp also noted that since the BPI’s name is being dragged by Sen. Trillanes, they will seek legal advice from Duterte’s attorney if they need to ask BPI’s statement regarding the accusation against the leading presidential candidate. For the past few days, Mayor Duterte is considered as the constant target not only by his opponents but also the powerful and bias news media in the country.
Peter Tiu Lavinia also stated that since BPI was dragged in the issue against Mayor Duterte, the company should issue an official statement regarding the controversial issue which is considered by Duterte followers and supporters as part of the smear campaign as the opponents of Mayor Duterte will try to drag him down since the national election is fast approaching.
Mayor Rody Duterte’s running-mate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on his part hit back at Sen. Trillanes and described him as a “principled man who resorted to a cheap and shameful gimmick.” Sen. Cayetano was quoted as saying “It’s a pitiful sight to see Senator Trillanes reduce himself from being a protector of the people to a ‘POEtector’ “, Cayetano said.