Trillanes Unveils Lascañas ICC Affidavit, Raising New Questions on Duterte Family

In a dramatic turn of events captured on the ANC 24/7 footage, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV stepped outside the impeachment court on October 2, 2026, to present a startling affidavit filed by former law enforcer and whistleblower Liza Lascañas before the International Criminal Court. The move came just hours after Trillanes announced he would no longer serve as a prosecution witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The video, which quickly circulated on social media, shows Trillanes addressing a crowd of journalists and supporters, his tone a blend of resolve and urgency as he laid out the allegations that he says implicate members of the Duterte family in serious wrongdoing.

Background to the Impeachment Trial and Trillanes' Withdrawal

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which began earlier this year, has been a focal point of national attention. Accusations ranging from alleged misuse of public funds to claims of interference in law‑enforcement operations have been levied against the vice president, prompting a highly publicized hearing before the Senate. Trillanes, a former senator known for his outspoken stance against the Duterte administration, was initially slated to testify as a prosecution witness, a role that would have placed him at the center of the trial’s evidentiary battles.

However, on the morning of October 2, Trillanes announced his decision to step back from the witness stand. In the ANC report, he explained that his withdrawal was not a retreat but a strategic shift, allowing him to present new evidence that he believes carries greater weight. By stepping outside the courtroom, he signaled a pivot from the formal trial proceedings to a broader public arena, where he could reach ordinary Filipinos directly.

Trillanes’ decision resonated across the country, especially in barangays where the impeachment saga has been a daily topic of conversation. Many saw his move as an act of bayanihan, a willingness to bring what he described as “the truth” to the people, rather than confining it within the walls of the Senate.

The Lascañas ICC Affidavit: Core Allegations

The affidavit that Trillanes presented is a document filed with the International Criminal Court, bearing the signature of Liza Lascañas, a former senior officer in the Philippine National Police who turned whistleblower years ago. While the video does not disclose the full text of the filing, Trillanes highlighted several key points: alleged involvement of the Duterte family in orchestrated campaigns of intimidation, the alleged misuse of state resources to shield corrupt practices, and claims of direct orders that led to human rights violations.

According to Trillanes, the affidavit outlines a pattern of conduct that, if substantiated, could meet the threshold for crimes against humanity under the ICC’s jurisdiction. He emphasized that the document is not merely a political weapon but a legal filing that could trigger an independent investigation by the court in The Hague.

The presentation of the affidavit outside the impeachment court underscores Trillanes’ belief that the domestic mechanisms—whether the Senate’s impeachment process or the Department of Justice—have been insufficient to address the alleged crimes. By invoking the ICC, he is appealing to an international forum, a move that reflects both desperation and a strategic attempt to pressure the Duterte family on a global stage.

Reactions from Government Agencies and Political Figures

In the immediate aftermath of the press conference, the Department of Justice issued a brief statement urging the public to await the outcome of the impeachment trial and to respect due process. The statement did not directly address the contents of the Lascañas affidavit, but it signaled the government’s intent to keep the focus on the Senate’s proceedings.

Meanwhile, members of the Senate, including several who have been vocal supporters of Vice President Duterte, dismissed Trillanes’ actions as a political stunt. In a televised interview, a senior senator described the affidavit as “unverified” and warned that such allegations could destabilize the already fragile political climate.

Opposition figures, on the other hand, welcomed Trillanes’ move as a courageous step toward accountability. In barangay halls and sari‑sari stores across Luzon and Visayas, conversations have turned to the possibility that the ICC could become a venue for seeking justice when domestic avenues appear blocked. The public’s reaction reflects a deepening divide, with many ordinary Filipinos feeling that the political elite are playing a high‑stakes game while everyday concerns—such as rising prices and access to health services—remain pressing.

Legal Implications of an ICC Filing by a Filipino Whistleblower

Filing an affidavit with the ICC is a serious legal step, one that triggers a formal review by the court’s Office of the Prosecutor. The office will assess whether the alleged crimes fall within the ICC’s jurisdiction, which includes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. While the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before that withdrawal and can still investigate if the alleged perpetrators are nationals of a state party.

Legal scholars quoted in the ANC coverage noted that the Lascañas affidavit could face significant hurdles. The ICC’s principle of complementarity means that the court will first look to see if the Philippines is willing and able to investigate the allegations itself. If the domestic system is deemed inadequate, the ICC may proceed. This creates a complex legal dance between national sovereignty and international accountability.

Trillanes’ decision to bring the affidavit to the public eye adds a layer of political pressure to the legal process. By making the allegations a matter of public discourse, he hopes to galvanize civil society and perhaps compel the Department of Justice to launch a credible investigation, thereby satisfying the ICC’s complementarity requirement.

The Human Impact: Voices from the Streets

Beyond the legal and political maneuverings, the story resonates deeply with ordinary Filipinos who have lived through the turbulence of the Duterte era. In a bustling jeepney terminal in Davao City, commuters shared their concerns about the alleged misuse of power. One driver, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the idea of an ICC investigation gave him a sense of hope that “someone, somewhere, might finally listen to the cries of the people.”

In a barangay in Quezon Province, a group of senior citizens gathered around a small television set to watch the ANC report. Their discussion centered on the fear that political infighting could distract the government from pressing issues like health care and education. A retired teacher expressed that “if the allegations are true, it means the very people who should protect us have been abusing their power, and that hurts the soul of the nation.”

These personal testimonies underscore the broader societal stakes. The allegations, whether proven or not, have become a symbol of the public’s yearning for transparency and accountability. For many, the prospect of an international court stepping in is both a source of optimism and a reminder of the gaps in the domestic system that have left them feeling vulnerable.

Looking Ahead: Possible Scenarios and the Path Forward

As the impeachment trial continues, the presence of the Lascañas affidavit looms large over the political landscape. One possible scenario is that the Senate, feeling the pressure of public opinion, may call for a separate inquiry into the allegations, potentially involving the Commission on Human Rights or the Office of the Ombudsman. Such an inquiry could provide a domestic avenue for addressing the claims, thereby satisfying the ICC’s complementarity principle.

Alternatively, the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor may decide to open a preliminary examination, especially if civil society groups submit additional evidence or petitions. This would mark a rare instance of an ICC investigation into alleged crimes committed by a former head of state’s family, a development that could have far‑reaching implications for the Philippines’ international standing.

Regardless of the legal outcomes, the episode has already reshaped the political discourse. It has forced politicians, from the Senate to the Department of Health, to confront the narrative that the Duterte family’s alleged misconduct extends beyond political rivalry into the realm of human rights violations. For the Filipino people, the unfolding drama serves as a reminder that vigilance and collective action remain essential in safeguarding democracy.

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: ANC 24/7 video report (02 October 2026); ANC 24/7; Global1.News