Baligod, Sonza File Rejoinder vs Trillanes DOJ Libel Complaint

Manila, this week — Attorney Levito Baligod led 18 alleged former bagmen and veteran broadcaster Jay Sonza to the Department of Justice on Monday to file a formal rejoinder against complaints lodged by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

The Rejoinder

The group delivered the rejoinder document directly to DOJ offices in Manila on Monday, June 22, 2026. This formal reply addresses the cyberlibel and perjury complaints Trillanes filed on March 5, 2026.

Baligod, who represents the 18 men, coordinated the submission alongside Jay Sonza. The document responds point by point to claims that the group made false statements about money deliveries.

Residents in Quezon City barangays near the DOJ building watched the group arrive, noting how such filings affect daily conversations about accountability in public office.

The rejoinder strengthens the position of the 18 men who describe themselves as former Philippine Marines acting on behalf of fugitive former Rep. Zaldy Co.

The Background of the ICC Bribery Allegations

On March 5, 2026, Trillanes filed complaints at the DOJ after the group alleged he received $2 million from Zaldy Co to bribe personnel at the International Criminal Court. The 18 men claimed they personally delivered suitcases and paper bags of cash to Trillanes on multiple occasions.

These allegations tie directly to Co, a fugitive former congressman whose whereabouts remain unknown to Philippine authorities. The deliveries reportedly occurred in locations across Metro Manila.

Families of overseas Filipino workers in Cebu and Davao follow these developments because any ICC-related matter can influence how the Philippines handles international legal obligations that affect OFW protections abroad.

The claims emerged publicly before Rep. Julienne Baronda of Iloilo filed her own cyberlibel complaint against the same group on June 3, 2026.

Who Are the Parties Involved

Attorney Levito Baligod serves as counsel for the 18 men, often called "The Brave 18" in public statements. He accompanied them and Jay Sonza to the DOJ on Monday.

Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV initiated the original complaints, naming Baligod, the 18 men, and Sonza as respondents. Sonza, a longtime broadcaster, joined the rejoinder submission in person.

Zaldy Co remains at large, with authorities in Manila continuing to seek his arrest. Rep. Julienne Baronda added her complaint from her district in Iloilo, expanding the legal actions beyond Metro Manila.

Communities in Baguio and other provinces discuss how these named individuals represent different sectors, from legal practice to media and alleged former military personnel.

Legal Implications for the Accused

The rejoinder submitted on Monday gives Baligod and the 18 men an official platform to counter the cyberlibel charges under Philippine law. DOJ prosecutors will now review the document alongside the original complaints.

Jay Sonza faces the same legal exposure as the others, requiring him to defend statements made in public forums. The process moves through standard DOJ channels in Manila before any potential court action.

Workers and students in Quezon City note that prolonged cases like this can drain resources from families already managing daily expenses at sari-sari stores and jeepney routes.

The involvement of the Supreme Court may arise later if appeals reach higher levels, affecting how similar libel cases involving public figures are handled nationwide.

Political Dimensions

The case connects to broader tensions in Congress and the Senate, where Trillanes previously served and Co held a seat before becoming a fugitive. The allegations involve supposed efforts to influence ICC processes through financial means.

COMELEC and other institutions monitor how such disputes influence public discourse ahead of future elections. Baronda's separate complaint from Iloilo adds a provincial dimension to the Manila-centered filings.

Barangay leaders in Davao and Cebu observe that these stories shape how voters view former officials and their networks, especially when fugitive status remains unresolved.

The submission of the rejoinder this week keeps the matter active within DOJ dockets, preventing quick closure on issues tied to national politics.

Impact on Public Trust in Philippine Institutions

Filipino families across the country watch the DOJ process closely because it involves accusations against a former senator and responses from alleged former Marines. Trust in institutions like the Philippine National Police and the justice system depends on transparent handling of these documents.

The bayanihan spirit in communities encourages open discussion, yet repeated high-profile cases can leave residents in Manila and beyond questioning whether justice reaches all parties equally.

OFWs sending remittances home often cite concerns that political disputes distract from practical governance affecting daily life in provinces like Iloilo and Baguio.

DepEd and DOH programs continue in schools and health centers, but public attention on this DOJ matter shows how legal filings can dominate conversations in sari-sari stores and jeepney terminals.

What to Watch For

DOJ action on the rejoinder will determine next steps for Baligod, the 18 men, and Sonza in the coming weeks. Prosecutors may schedule hearings or request additional evidence from all sides.

Further statements from Trillanes or Baronda could shape media coverage, while Co's status as a fugitive keeps attention on enforcement efforts by authorities.

Communities in Metro Manila and provincial areas will track whether the case moves to formal trial or reaches settlement discussions that affect public perception of accountability.

Observers note that outcomes here may influence how similar complaints involving alleged financial transactions and public officials are filed and defended in the future.