Trillanes on Tiu's denial: People can see through lies

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Antonio Trillanes is not buying businessman Antonio Tiu's emotional statement on Wednesday denying anew that he is a dummy of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

In a televised press conference, Trillanes said the Senate Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee probing the allegations against Binay will continue to pursue those allegedly concealing Binay's purported ill-gotten wealth.

"Pasensya na lang si Mr. Tiu kasi hindi ako nadala doon sa drama niya. Sa akin, hahabulin namin siya. We will get to the bottom of this," he said.

Trillanes insisted that the one-page unnotarized document submitted by Tiu last week was not enough to prove that he owns part of the alleged Hacienda Binay in Rosario town, Batangas.

"He tried to put up a brave front but the people can see through the lies," Trillanes said.

"He made a fool out of himself by lying through his teeth and the whole country saw that. Hindi na niya mababago iyon," he also said.

In his press conference earlier today, Tiu criticized Trillanes and Sen. Alan Cayetano for their "unfounded" and "baseless" accusations against him and his businesses.

Tiu became emotional as he claimed receiving threats that government agencies would run after him if he did not cooperate in the Senate probe.

Trillanes denies involvement in the threats, saying they were probably from those who would benefit from Tiu's absence.

"Kung merong seryosong mananakit sa kanya ay mangangaling din sa kampo ni Vice President Binay," he said.

The senator is advising Tiu to get police protection if he believes that his life is in danger.

The Senate probe on the allegations against Binay will resume tomorrow and Trillanes is expected to present more evidence implicating the vice president.