Trillanes confident of evidence vs Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV expressed optimism that the Senate blue ribbon's inquiry on Thursday would show links of the president’s son and son-in-law to the P6.4 shabu shipment from China.

Trillanes said he is prepared with enough evidence to pin down the two implicated personalities.

“Ako ay naniniwala na pagkatapos nitong hearing na ito ay maliwanag sa mga kababayan natin na involved si Paolo Duterte at si Mans Carpio hindi lang dito sa smuggling operations dito sa Bureau of Customs, kung hindi dito sa pagpasok ng P6.4 billion peso [shabu],” Trillanes said in a recorded ambush interview.

This is the first time that Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and Manases “Mans” Carpio would attend the Senate inquiry into the alleged drug smuggling. They were invited to answer allegations that they are behind the Davao group that facilitated the entry of the anomalous shabu shipment.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier advised his son to invoke his right to remain silent once questioned but Trillanes said he is prepared for such an instance.

“Kaya nga prepared ako sa scenario na magsasalita o hindi basta't I'd be presenting evidence, information that would directly link them dito sa mga anomalies sa Customs,”  Trillanes said.

Asked about the most damaging evidence he has against Paolo and Carpio, Trillanes said the public has to wait for it as it is not a single piece of evidence but a “whole context.”

Despite this, the president on Wednesday advised Paolo and Carpio to "just tell the truth" before the Senate. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella earlier said the president would not interfere in the Senate hearing.

RELATED: Palace: Duterte believes Paolo, Mans can handle Senate smuggling probe