Leila de Lima, who was the justice secretary at the time of the incident, played down the charge as a 'media stunt' by personalities out to 'pillorize' Aquino as he rejoins the civilian world.

'The filing of charges is nothing but a simple media stunt and the families are letting themselves be used by political actors who continue to pillorize President Aquino for this most unfortunate incident in his administration,' said the newly elected Senator when asked to comment on the charges.