Defense chief: Need proof of Dutertes’ China funding

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Saturday said former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV should submit evidence to law enforcement authorities to back his allegations that Chinese funds went to an organization linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her family.

“The allegations of [former] Senator Trillanes, if substantiated, raise serious implications for national security,” Teodoro said in a message forwarded to reporters by Palace press officer Claire Castro.

“He should submit the evidence in his possession, if any, to our law enforcement authorities so the matter can be thoroughly investigated,” he added.

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READ: China to Teodoro: Stop the provocation, theatrics

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Trillanes on Friday claimed that P319 million from the Chinese government and China-based corporations went to CALLE88 Foods Corp., a company linked to the Vice President’s husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.

He also alleged that Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines Inc., a foundation where Duterte is an incorporator, received a P150 million donation from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines.

Teodoro has been one of China’s staunchest critics in the Marcos administration, frequently denouncing Beijing’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.

Nat’l security implications

Malacañang said Trillanes’ allegations should not be ignored, provided that they were substantiated by sufficient evidence.

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Castro warned that those who tolerate such acts, which could be considered an act of betrayal of the country, should be made accountable.

Trillanes made the disclosures a day after the prosecution panel in Duterte’s impeachment trial announced that he would no longer testify against Duterte.

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The former senator said the country should be “horrified” because China’s support for the Vice President has “national security implications” and should be grounds for her impeachment.

The Dutertes are known for their close ties to China. Ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, the Vice President’s father, pivoted the country’s foreign policy toward China in 2016 to secure economic investments and distance the country from traditional ties with the United States.

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Duterte’s lawyers on Saturday dismissed Trillanes’ recent allegations as “malicious fabrications.” INQ