"Senator Trillanes could be referring to himself when he described the President corrupt," the Palace official said.
Panelo was reacting to the senator's radio interview earlier in the day accusing the President of doing nothing against corruption in the government because he was also tainted with corruption.
Panelo, however, said Trillanes should explain his "suspicious visits" to China during the time of former President Benigno Aquino III.
"Asked him [why he is corrupt]. Maybe he should explain his suspicious visits to China during [Aquino’s] time," the lawyer said, referring to Trillanes' backchannel meetings with Chinese officials in connection with the disputed West Philippine Sea.
Trillanes insisted that there was P2 billion deposited in the bank account of the President and stressed that he would resign if his claim was proven untrue.
But Panelo replied, "He (Trillanes) doesn't have to wait for that [because] he is undeserving of a Senate seat. He should resign now."
Even before Duterte became president, Trillanes claimed that the former Davao City mayor had undeclared P211 million savings in his back accounts in Pasig City.
Panelo ended the interview by leaving a New Year's message to the senator, "Happy New Year, Mr. Trillanes. May you have more nightmares to come."
SOURCE: SUNSTAR