Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV warned lawyer Levito Baligod that he could face another cyberlibel complaint after the latter claimed on social media that Trillanes had allegedly offered P10 million each to 18 individuals linked to the controversial "maleta" allegations.

In a Facebook post, Baligod questioned the alleged offer, writing: "Bakit kailangan niyong oferan ng 10M ang bawat isa sa B18? Para itago niyo ang katotohanan?"

The post came after Trillanes expressed confidence that one of the 18 alleged former bodyguards of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co would eventually recant and admit that claims involving suitcases of cash allegedly tied to anomalous flood control projects were fabricated.

Baligod also uploaded a photo of a mobile phone displaying an alleged text message offering money in exchange for withdrawing a case and refraining from speaking to the media.

The message read in part: "Pag ma okay ka ganito magka roon ka ng 5m e atras ang kaso then ma wala kana sa medya parang guteza na wala na... 5m ka bok meron ako 5m tulungan tayo bok magkaroon ka at magkaroon din ako."

It continued: "At ang importante sa lahat ma wala ang kaso mo din manahimik nalang bok Kung kakasa ka unahan na natin. Pag sure kana saka ko na ilatag sa kanila."

Baligod did not identify the alleged sender of the message or provide evidence verifying its authenticity.

In response, Trillanes demanded that Baligod remove the post.

"Mr. Baligod, i-takedown mo yang fake news mo na 'yan kundi panibagong kaso ang isasampa ko sa'yo. Ito ang iyong huling babala," Trillanes wrote on social media.

The exchange is the latest development in the legal dispute stemming from allegations that Trillanes received suitcases allegedly containing cash intended for investigators of the International Criminal Court.

On 23 March, Trillanes filed cyberlibel complaints before the Department of Justice against 18 alleged former Marines who claimed they had delivered cash-filled suitcases to him.

The complaints also named SMNI hosts Byron "Banat By" Cristobal, Oliver "Coach Oli" Cristobal, Master Judea and Arjay Piodina for allegedly helping spread the accusations.

On 25 June, Trillanes filed another cyberlibel complaint against Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Rodante Marcoleta, along with the same 18 individuals, over statements made during the 4 June Senate inquiry into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

During the hearing, the alleged former aides of Co accused several public officials, including Trillanes, of receiving suitcases containing kickbacks from flood control projects.

Trillanes has repeatedly denied the allegations and warned that those who continue repeating them could face separate cyberlibel complaints.

"In every occasion that you say lies that is one count. Now, it's up to the judge if it will be consolidated but it is already multiple counts," Trillanes said.

The former senator said he would continue pursuing legal action against those he believes are spreading false accusations against him online.