Antonio Trillanes IV

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Antonio F. Trillanes IV
Antonio Trillanes IV
Incumbent
Assumed office 
June 30, 2007
Born August 6, 1971 (1971-08-06) (age 37)
Manila, Philippines
Nationality Filipino
Political party Genuine Opposition (2007-Present)
Spouse Arlene G. Orejana
Children Francis Seth Trillanes
Thea Estelle Trillanes
Alan Andrew Trillanes†
Residence Caloocan City
Alma mater Philippine Military Academy, University of the Philippines
Occupation Soldier
Profession Military
Religion Roman Catholic

Antonio Fuentes Trillanes IV (born August 6, 1971 in Manila, Philippines) is a currently detained Senator of the Republic of the Philippines.

He is best known for his role in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny when he and a group of 321 armed solders took over the Oakwood apartment towers in Makati City, lined them with bombs, and threatened to demolish them. In the general election held in May 2007, Trillanes was elected to the Senate on the anti-government Genuine Opposition ticket, and assumed office on June 30, 2007. He is the first Philippine Senator to be elected while in jail.

On November 29, 2007, he walked out of his own trial and triggered a standoff at the Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati City, where he called for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's ouster.[1]

Contents

[edit] Genuine Opposition (GO)

Trillanes filed for certificate of candidacy on February 7, 2007, to run as an independent Senator even though he was detained for coup d'etat. Later, he accepted an invitation from the Genuine Opposition party (GO) to adopt Trillanes as one of its guest candidates to field against the Arroyo administration. Throughout the campaign, though in jail, he communicated through Friendster as Francis Escudero and Francis Pangilinan had done.

As of June 4, 2007, Trillanes maintained 11th place in the Senatorial race, but was not included in the partial proclamation of 10 winning Senators by the Commission on Elections, because of narrow margins between the 11th, 12th, and 13th places. (See results of the 2007 general election).

On June 15, 2007, Trillanes was eventually proclaimed Senator-elect by the Commission on Elections, after canvassing the certificates of canvass from Surigao del Norte, making him safe from being over-taken by any candidate. As expected, he was beleaguered by his opponents.

On July 23, 2007, Trillanes' motion for an "arrangement" with the Makati RTC that would allow him to fulfill his duties as a Senator while under detention, and to allow him to attend the SONA, remained unacted upon.

On July 30, 2007, Judge Oscar Pimentel denied Trillanes's plea to be granted leave from detention to attend Senate sessions, and to set up an office inside Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City where he had been detained.[2]

On August 23, 2007, former University of the Philippines president Francisco Nemenzo, Jr. and former vice president Teofisto Guingona, Jr. of civil society launched the "Paglingkurin si Trillanes [Let Trillanes Serve] Movement" in Pasay City. Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros, Ana Maria Nemenzo of the Freedom from Debt Coalition, opposition leader Jose Alcuaz, and Trillanes' spokesperson Sonny Rivera, were present.[3]

On September 20, 2007, Judge Oscar Pimentel denied Trillanes's petition to attend Senate sessions, for lack of merit, ruling that his incarceration would not be a bar to fulfilling his duties as a Senator.[4]

On October 10, 2007, Antonio Trillanes IV filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the Philippines, asking for permission to attend Senate sessions. His lawyer was Reynaldo Robles. Trillanes also petitioned the court to allow him to receive visitors in his jail at Fort Bonifacio.[5]

On October 17, 2007, the Supreme Court of the Philippines, in an en banc resolution, directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Oscar Pimentel to comment within 10 days on Senator Antonio Trillanes IV's petition.[6]

On November 29, 2007, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV led another uprising, this time at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati. After walking out of his court hearing, he and Brigadier General Danilo Lim led their supporters to the hotel where they staged their protest against the government, calling on the public to join them. Six hours later, after military teams surrounded the hotel and armored personnel carriers broke through the hotel's front doors, Trillanes and his companions surrendered.

[edit] Manila Peninsula Incident

Main article: Manila Peninsula mutiny

The Peninsula Manila incident began on the morning of November 29, 2007, when detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, General Lim, Capt. Faeldon and other Magdalo officials walked out of their trial and marched through the streets of Makati City, calling for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. They then had a meeting on the second floor of The Peninsula Manila Hotel along Ayala Avenue. Former vice-president Teofisto Guingona joined the march to the Manila Peninsula Hotel, as well as some soldiers from the AFP.

3 P.M. Deadline

Thirty soldiers who stood on trial for the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny walked out of court and set up a meeting at The Peninsula Manila Hotel, where they called for the ouster of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. They had been joined by former vice-president Teofisto Guingona, who called the gathering a "New Edsa".

Arroyo called for an emergency Cabinet meeting as she took a chopper back to the Palace amid tight security. Novaliches Catholic Bishop Antonio Tobias, Infanta Bishop Emeritus Julio Labayen, and Fr. Robert Reyes joined the Antonio Trillanes IV group, while Exec. Sec. Eduardo Ermita and Ignacio Bunye rushed back to Malacañang. PSG sealed off the Palace, while troops secured the north and south Luzon expressways.

A website forthwith appeared, proclaiming General Lim and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV as the leaders of the incident.[7] The website entry read: "Senator Antonio Trillanes, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Magdalo soldiers, their guards and the people have started marching towards Makati triangle. We presently find in existence a dangerous concept where the armed forces now owe their primary allegiance and loyalty to those who temporarily exercise the authority of the executive branch of the government rather than to the country and the Constitution they have sworn to protect. That is a concept we defy and struggle to eradicate. If you believe you are a man of will and courage with unselfish motives and brave enough to fight against such tyranny, rise up and be counted!"[8]

The Philippine National Police (PNP) gave Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim until 3 p.m. to surrender, as it evacuated guests and personnel inside the Manila Peninsula Hotel.[9]

The PNP general also ordered later the evacuation of the press in the hotel. Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, stated, "We make this fateful step of removing Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo from the presidency and undertake the formation of a new government."[10]

Security forces were scheduled the Manila Peninsula in Makati City at exactly 3 p.m. to arrest rebel soldiers. Judge Oscar Pimentel, Makati Regional Trial Court, issued the arrest order, and Director Geary Barias, National Capital Region Police Office director, stated: "Arrests will be made at 3 p.m."[11]

After 3 p.m., police director Geary Barias of the National Capital Region Police Office left The Peninsula Manila Hotel, since he was asked to leave by troops supportive of Trillanes. A defiant Antonio Trillanes IV dismissed the PNP 3 p.m. deadline, saying, "Believe me, nothing will happen after three o'clock."[12]

At least 50 Special Weapons and Tactics commandos lined up outside to assault the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City to enforce the arrest of rebel soldiers. Sporadic warning shots were heard from the police outside the hotel, as smoke was seen coming from the hotel seconds after the shots. (4:01 p.m.) The Palace asked reporters to move out of the hotel, as armored personnel carriers arrived. Hundreds of guests scrambled to vacate, and Trillanes said they will 'wait and see'[?] Bishop Julio Labayen appealed: "Please do not storm the place, so nobody gets hurt." (4:37 p.m.)

Firing stopped at 4:30 p.m.[13][14] GMA crew, and other media personnel were trapped in the hotel, while the Palace appealed to the media and the public to stay away from Makati. Tear gas was fired into the hotel lobby as government troops advanced. Soldiers surrounded the hotel at 5 p.m.).[15]

The armored tank then destroyed the main facade of the Manila Peninsula Hotel to allow the troops to enter.

Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who had just arrived from Guam, stated that he would not head a caretaker government if President Arroyo was removed from power, for he wants to insulate the judiciary from politics. Meanwhile, big business groups denounced Trillanes and Lim. “Trillanes and Lim are just saving their own skin in causing a commotion. That is just so irresponsible. This will definitely have an effect on our economy and the foreigners’ perception on our country," said Donald Dee, chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an umbrella organization of 20,000 small, medium and large corporations.[16]

[edit] US Support

The United States, through a statement from the U.S. embassy, reiterated its support for the Philippine government: "The United States and the Philippines are long-time democratic allies, and the US Embassy wishes to take this opportunity to reiterate our government's support for the rule of law, constitutional order, and the government of the Philippines. [US] Ambassador Kirstie Kenney has spoken with officials at Malacañang Palace to reiterate our confidence that this incident is swiftly and peacefully resolved by the Philippine National Police, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in accordance with Philippine law."[17]

[edit] Surrender

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Brigadier General Danilo Lim decided to surrender to arresting authorities to avoid loss of lives.[18] Police Director Geary Barias declared that the standoff at the Manila Peninsula Hotel was over as Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, along with other junior officers, agreed to leave the hotel and surrender to Barias after the six-hour siege,[19] although they had a hard time getting out due to the tear gas that covered the area where they were hiding.

[edit] Aftermath

On November 30, 2007, the authorities, led by Chief Hermogenes Esperon, launched a manhunt for more suspects (including 3 rebel officers, where "one wore a wig and black clothes"; Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, and a soldier). Faeldon's counsel Trixie Angeles stated, "I am worried...there is a distinct possibility that (Capt. Faeldon) is under the custody of the Armed Forces. They should tell us if he (Faeldon) is already in their custody."[20]

Police chief Avelino Razon announced that the destabilization plot is still active since "four groups" took part in the mutiny, and one escaped. "We are looking for him, we don't know how he escaped." Noberto Gonzales stated that 20 other people not part of the hotel siege including businessmen were under investigation.[21] Razon also announced that 2 Magdalo members, Lieutenant Arman Pontejos, and a certain Sergeant Bosi, were arrested after hiding in the hotel.

Antonio Trillanes IV and General Lim were placed under maximum security in Camp Crame.[22][23] Anti-Arroyo rallyists marched towards Liwasang Bonifacio. Julio Labayen, bishop-prelate emeritus of Infanta, was transferred from detention in Camp Crame to the custody of the current Infanta bishop-prelate, Rolando Tria Tirona, and/or the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Manila Pen '50' or the personalities arrested were transferred from the Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan to the maximum detention cell in Camp Crame, while 11 ABS-CBN personnel were released after processing . 450 people were arrested in Metro Manila due to the curfew enforced in the metropolis and in Regions III and IV. The Arroyo curfew followed Ferdinand Marcos' example 35 years ago. Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias, Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez Jr. and Infanta, Quezon Bishop Emeritus Julio Labayen, all of Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME) – lead a prayer rally at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Bonifacio Day, and asked Mrs. Arroyo to step down for "lack of moral ascendancy to lead the nation." Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) held its rally at nearby Bonifacio Shrine in Lawton led by former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr.. As of 1:30 p.m., some 5,000 members of militant groups gathered at España Avenue to march towards Liwasang Bonifacio. At 11 a.m., "reserve force" / troops with 10 6x6 military trucks came from Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija and passed along EDSA towards Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Some personalities / detainees arrested, accused the police of "maltreating" them during their detention in Camp Bagong Diwa. Lawyer Argee Guevarra stated that retired bishop Julio Labayen was "treated like a common criminal," handcuffed and fingerprinted during detention: "Bishop Labayen was never imprisoned during Martial Law. But under the rule of Arroyo and Pidal, no less than a bishop was arrested and detained." Australia and the UK cautioned nationals in Manila. The Manila Peninsula Hotel will re-open on December 3, after assessment of damages, as Mrs. Arroyo blamed Trillanes for the destruction.[24]

On December 1, 2007, the Philippine National Police (PNP) formed a team to re-arrest Nicanor Faeldon, while former University of the Philippines president Francisco Nemenzo was freed to the custody of Akbayan Rep. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros as inquest proceedings continued against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and 49 others at the Camp Crame Multipurpose Hall who were accused of Rebellion. DOJ Undersecretary Fidel Esconde, state prosecutors Aristotle Reyes, Philip dela Cruz and Alvin Navarro were part of the inquest panel. Inquest proceedings ended at 1:00 a.m., and Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco said the resolution will be released on December 3: "Until we issue a resolution, those arrested will stay in detention or under the police custody; We will make a resolution as soon as possible. We also do not want to prolong the agony of the complaint respondents.”[25] Velasco, also stated on Peninsula 50: "Ayaw namin patagalin ang kaso so as not to prolong the agony of the respondents. Kung walang kasalanan, p'wede nang i-release at kung meron, trabaho lang po (We are working fast to avoid prolonging the agony of the respondents. We want to see to it that if they are innocent, they can be released immediately. If they are liable, we want to assure them this is just work and there is nothing personal); Walang dinemanda na taga-media, at sa aking paningin, naobserbahan, walang ginawang pagkakamali ang media (There was no media personality charged. And from what I have observed so far, media did not do anything wrong during the standoff)."[26] The Central Command (CENTCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines remained under red alert as CENTCOM chief Maj. Gen. Victor Ibrado conducted a loyalty check among his personnel. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay stated that Malacañng would link him to the Rebellion. Francisco Nemenzo Jr. confirmed that a police general hit Senator Antonio Trillanes IV: “Hindi ako nasaktan at saka ‘yong mga kasama kong civilians. Wala akong narining pero ‘yong mga sundalo talagang sinaktan sila especially Senator Trillanes (My civilian companions and I were not hurt. I didn’t hear any report that the civilians were hurt. But the soldiers were roughed up, especially Senator Trillanes); Sinuntok siya (Trillanes) ng isang heneral na pulis, and then hinigpitan ng husto ‘yong plastic na parang handcuff and just to humiliate him they dragged him by holding his belt, (I saw that a police general punched Trillanes, and then his handcuff was tightened. It appeared that they wanted to humiliate him, they dragged him by holding his belt)."[27] Meanwhile, opposition senators blocked a resolution of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to expel Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV from the Senate of the Philippines. Also, Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. affirmed that it will counter media networks (ABS-CBN) suits against the PNP who also denied an allegation of a lawyer of junior officers that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and their companions were manhandled at a police camp. Teofisto Guingona, Jr. returned to Crame to visit detained daughter, and actress-writer Bibeth Orteza was released from Camp Crame. The Bishops’ rally fizzled out, while elsewhere, loyal troops choked off support for Trillanes. 602 curfew violators were held in Central Luzon, while 479 were arrested in Calabarzon during curfew. Further, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's luncheon with Pampanga journalists was cancelled but she kept her Europe itinerary despite ouster attempt.[28]

On December 2, 2007, Ces Drilon, senior correspondent of ABS-CBN News said authorities / no one told them to vacate the Hotel as teams began assault. Roy Mabasa, president of the National Press Club, announced that they will lodge the formal complaint before the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City Monday morning.[29] The Philippine National Police (PNP) will file charges of economic sabotage against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left for 8-day trip / 3-country visit to Europe (to France for a private trip on Sunday, to Spain on the same day for a state visit and to the United Kingdom with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace in London). Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon Jr, chief of the PNP and the Armed Forces stated that Makati police, 32 personalities and government employee were probed for siege involvement, and also announced set talks with media / the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) on December 5:"Magkakaroon ng usapan ang PNP, AFP at KBP para pag-usapan ang naging problema sa Manila Pen at di maulit ang situation (We're going to have a talk with the AFP and KBP to discuss the problem so what happened will not be repeated)."[30] The Senate of the Philippines will discuss expulsion bid against Trillanes on December 3. Lawyer Ibarra Gutierrez III, and counsels for 51 arrested soldiers and civilians arrested will file illegal detention charges against the police for failing to meet the 36-hour legal deadline to file charges.[31]

On December 3, 2007, Antonio Trillanes IV asked Miriam Defensor Santiago to reconsider her expulsion Senate Resolution 228 (citing Rule 34, Sec. 97 of the Senate Rules / Art. II, Sec. 3 of the 1987 Constitution). But Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. stated: "Kailangan 2/3 or 16 votes papunta sa explusion (You need 2/3 or 16 votes for expulsion)."[32] The Department of Justice (DOJ), 10-page resolution, filed Rebellion charges against Teofisto Guingona, Jr., Bishop Emeritus Julio Labayen, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, "running" priest Robert Reyes and 31 other individuals. It also issued a hold departure order against the 36 individuals, while 15 others released will undergo preliminary investigation. Thus, the Senate of the Philippines held caucus on the arrests of media men, curfew and expulsion resolution, as Manuel Roxas II filed resolution for inquiry on the treatment of journalists.[33] The Peninsula Manila declared itself "fully operational" at noon. 20 Sanlakas militants stormed the PNP headquarters, Quezon City (10:30 a.m. in front of the Camp Crame main gate along EDSA) to call for the release from detention of their leaders. The Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCom), fact finding board, uncovered lapses by 100 soldiers but no Mutiny by Magdalo guards.[34] Natividad Reyes / the family of activist priest Robert Reyes appealed to Gaudencio Rosales. With situation ‘normalized,’ Hermogenes Esperon left for Malaysia. 14 arrested civilians were released by the Philippine National Police from the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame past 7 p.m.: businessman Herman Tiu Laurel, Stella Guingona, daughter of former vice-president Teofisto Guingona, El Cid Fajardo, Leonido Toledo, Evangeline Mendoza, Jose Albert, Eduardo Castro, Ferdinand Sandoval, Julie Ancheta, Maamor Lanto, Romeo Dacles, Ryan Custodio, Edgardo Viania and Ray Linaac. They, however, will still undergo preliminary investigation.

On December 4, 2007, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to "‘Heed Pen 50 call for justice - personally and sincerely" address the issues raised by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Had Trillanes succeeded, a National Transition Council (NTC), would replace the Arroyo regime, and the Philippines put under a "lean and mean" military and police force (per 5-page document - "Proposed Program"). Further, PNP Director Edgardo Doromal issued an Order to Maria Ressa, head of the ABS-CBN news and current affairs department: “You are commanded to appear before the office of the Southern Metro Manila Criminal Investigation and Detection Team ... on Dec. 5, 2007 at 10 o’clock in the morning and bring with you a DVD copy of raw video footage [of the] March, FAIL NOT UNDER THE PENALTY OF LAW.” Ressa branded the order as continuing attempt to “intimidate and harass journalists” and indicated a “gradual erosion of press freedom” in the country.[35]The Commission on Human Rights summoned Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and PNP officials over a National Press Club complaint that journalists were illegally arrested. DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay's possible "complicity" in the failed Rebellion. 14 senators signed resolution condemning curfew. The (PNP) also launched a "wanted" poster campaign for the immediate recapture of 6 Magdalo officers, including Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon. The DILG said it will ask the court to transfer Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV group to the National Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City, for "security reasons." Senior state prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco stated that: "With respect to the former vice president [Guingona], to the bishop [Julio Labayen] (81) and to Dr [Francisco] Nemenzo of the University of the Philippines, considering their age, we might not oppose their request to be released on recognizance during the trial stage." Bibeth Orteza was released from (PNP) Custodial Center for humanitarian reasons.[36] Meanwhile, 3 former Magdalo soldiers, led by Cpl. Elmer Colon (black camouflage uniform and a wig), hired by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay joined Pen putsch, while Armed Forces Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. confirmed the arrest of a high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army, Myrna Hombrebueno, proving that the Magdalo had ties with the communist rebels.[37] US ambassador Kristie Kenney stated: "No, we do not support extra-constitutional means to change government, in the Philippines or anywhere else in the world, I think it's always disturbing when you see people behaving contrary to the rule of law and constitutional authority; Washington will continue to "remain a very, very strong ally" of Arroyo, who is President George W. Bush's key ally in the Southeast Asian theatre of the US-led "war on terror; "We want this country to move forward."[38]

PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. confirmed that the still-unidentified female “reporter” provided Nicanor Faeldon with a fake press card and helped his escape, and that he is still hiding in Metro Manila. Razon also sacked Makati police OIC Superintendent Angelito Sumulong for his alleged failure to stop the walk-out, and he relieved 23 other subordinate officers: Insp. Geraldo Diño, Senior Police Officer (SPO) 3 Carlos Mendibei, and Police Officer (PO) 3 Edwin Buenaventura of the City Hall Detachment; Senior Insp. Reycon Garduque, PO2 Rommel Salcedo, and PO1 Globel Belarmino of Police Community Precinct 8; SPO1 Noel Infante, PO1 Wilfredo Alvarez and PO2 Raul Del Rosario of the Mobile Patrol Unit; Senior Insp. McVernon Manera, PO2 Reyne Baluyan and PO1 Bryan Hernandez of the Intelligence Division; SPO1 Enrique Fernandez and PO2 Jomerick Turiano of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit; Traffic Division personnel SInp Gilberto Loteria, Insp Oscar Alicando, SPO4 Antonio Buctuan, SPO1 Mano Deveza, SPO4 Ronando Pilande, SPO2 Rogelio Valdenor, SPO1 Melchor Calooy, SPO3 Nestor Frias, and PO3 Luisito Ordoñez.[39][40] The PNP arrested army soldier Pvt. Alvin Celestino (on his way to board a Northwest Airlines flight to Detroit), one of the 4 suspects, and he was brought to Camp Crame. Government prosecutors gave Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon and 5 other Magdalo soldiers until December 18 to submit their counter-affidavits.[41]

On December 6, 2007, the Rebellion and inciting to rebellion case were raffled to high-profile Judge Elmo Alameda of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150. He handled the rebellion case against the "Batasan 6," lawmakers, and the murder case against former Batangas governor Jose Antonio Leviste. DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno stated that defiant media can be arrested again, while Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. and Sen. Panfilo Lacson visited Antonio Trillanes IV to check on his living conditions. Pimentel told Trillanes to ‘Stay out of trouble.’ The NBI asked The Peninsula Manila for Nov. 29 CCTV footages. ABS-CBN news execectives assailed government officials for the arrest and cuffing of members of the media, in the Hotel dialogue. DOJ deferred motion to transfer Trillanes, Lim to New Bilibid Prisons, as Muntinlupa Representative Rozzano Rufino Biazon, an administration ally, and Deputy Minority Leader Roilo Golez opposed: “The Bilibid is an institution of convicts and Trillanes et al are not convicts. Their detention in NBP will be irregular. It seems to be punishment while still undergoing trial.”[42][43]Bishop Emeritus Julio Labayen of Infanta, Quezon, returned to Quezon province (Infanta with Bishop Rolando Tirona).

Judge Elmo Alameda of Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 150, received in evidence the recording / ANC, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) footages of the standoff from the Department of Justice, after scolding Senior State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco for surprising the court. It ordered prosecution to show evidence against Guingona. Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao, PNP reiterated its stance that nothing is wrong on media arrests last Nov. 29. The Court martial against the 29 officers had been moved to Dec 14. President Arroyo ordered the arrests of other Makati standoff participants who are still at large. NCRPO Director Geary Barias gave the order to arrest journalists according to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) official, Sr. Supt. Joey Coronel during the hearing by the Commission on Human Rights, as Puno and Razon snubbed CHR hearing. Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim told the Makati court that he is not a member of the Magdalo, and asked court to place him under AFP custody. In a 48-page comment filed November 28, Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera blocked Trillanes’s plea for Senate attendance. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stated that the government would show no mercy to Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and the rebel soldiers and civilians. “You saw it on television. It’s clear that the actions of these few desperate men reveal just how out of touch they are with the hopes and dreams of the average Filipino.”[44]DOJ Sec. Gonzales said plotters spent P 10 million for putsch. Sen. Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby" Madrigal did not only visit Trillanes at Camp Crame detention center but parted ways: “Thank you, Sonny (Trillanes’s nickname). But let us just part ways."

On December 13, 2007, the Makati court dismissed Rebellion cases against Teofisto Guingona, Jr., Fr. Robert Reyes, Bishop Emeritus Julio Labayen, Francisco Nemenzo, Elizabeth Orteza, lawyers JV Bautista and Argee Guevarra and other civilians. Journalists (Malaya columnist Ellen Tordesillas, NHK reporter Charmaine Deosgracias and Maria Ressa of ABS-CBN) recounted their ordeals during the Manila siege at the Senate hearing on media arrest. Recently, 6 unidentified soldiers were probed over the siege and Antonio Trillanes also filed a manifestation apologizing to Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Oscar Pimental, from whose courtroom the walkout began. The apology however, as SEn. Trillanes pointed out, was not directed at Mrs. Arroyo.[45]

On December 28, 2007, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and 16 accused by counsel Ernesto Francisco, in the November 29 Makati Rebellion, moved for partial reconsideration of the probable cause Order dated 13 December 2007, and to dismiss the case pending at the sala of Judge Elmo Alameda, Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 50.[46]

The Supreme Court of the Philippines, on June 27, 2008, per ponente Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales in a 16-page decision unanimously dismissed Trillanes' petition "to be allowed to attend Senate sessions, other plenary or committee hearings, to give interviews to air his comments to the press, to attend to his official functions and duties and to receive members of his staff at the Marine brig in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig."[47] Morales ruled: "All prisoners whether under preventive detention or serving final sentence cannot practice their profession nor engage in any business or occupation, or hold office, elective or appointive, while in detention; the fact that he is on trial for a non-bailable offense makes his rights more limited than those of the public; the 'Manila Pen Incident,' proves that petitioner's argument bites the dust. The risk that he would escape ceased to be neither remote nor nil, as in fact, the cause for foreboding became real; election, or more precisely, reelection to office does not obliterate a criminal charge; The Petitioner's electoral victory only signifies pertinently that when the voters elected him to the Senate, they did so with full awareness of the limitations on his freedom of action and with the knowledge that he could only achieve such legislative results which he could accomplish within the confines of prison."[48]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Inquirer.net. "NCRPO chief orders hotel guests to vacate". Retrieved on November 28, 2007.
  2. ^ GMA NEWS.TV, Makati court junks Trillanes plea to attend Senate sessions
  3. ^ Inquirer.net, ‘Let Trillanes Serve Movement’ launched
  4. ^ GMA NEWS.TV, Court rejects Trillanes appeal to attend Senate sessions
  5. ^ Abs-Cbn Interactive, Trillanes asks SC to allow him to attend Senate sessions
  6. ^ Inquirer.net, AFP, judge told to answer Trillanes’s bid to exercise duties
  7. ^ Afp.google.com, Philippine rebels met-up in hotel, demand Arroyo step down: witnesses
  8. ^ Sundalo Tagapagtanggol ng Pilipino
  9. ^ Gma.news.tv, PNP imposes 3 p.m. deadline for Trillanes, Lim to surrender
  10. ^ Uk.reuters.com, Soldiers take over Manila hotel and call for Arroyo to go
  11. ^ Abs-Cbn News, Military, PNP to storm Makati hotel
  12. ^ (UPDATE 6) Barias leaves ahead of 3 p.m. deadline
  13. ^ Abs Cbn, Shots fired as pro-Arroyo troops begin assault at hotel
  14. ^ Abs Cbn, Firing stops at The Penhotel
  15. ^ Abs Cbn, GMA crew, other media personnel still trapped in Manila Pen
  16. ^ Abs Cbn, Puno: No to caretaker govt role
  17. ^ Abs Cbn, US airs support for RP govt
  18. ^ Gma News, Trillanes, Lim decide to call it quits - report
  19. ^ Gma News, 'It's over,' says Barias of hotel standoff
  20. ^ Gmanews.tv, AFP, PNP launch manhunt vs Capt. Faeldon; lawyer worried
  21. ^ Afp.google.com, Philippines hunts for more suspects in rebellion
  22. ^ Inq.net, 2 more Magdalo members found hiding in hotel
  23. ^ Inquirer.net, Manhunt on for 3 rebel officers, soldier in Makati standoff
  24. ^ Time, Another Philippines Coup Plot Fails
  25. ^ Inquirer.net, Inquest ends; no decision yet on filing of charges
  26. ^ Gmanews.tv, Prosecutor to Peninsula 50: We won't prolong your agony
  27. ^ Gmanews.tv, Ex-UP prexy confirms report Trillanes roughed up by police
  28. ^ newsfromrussia.com, Philippine military officers and supporters accused of planned revolt against president
  29. ^ Abs Cbn, ABS-CBN reporter: No one told us to leave Pen
  30. ^ Gmanews.tv, PNP, AFP set Wednesday 'date' with media over Peninsula siege
  31. ^ Inquirer.net, 51 people arrested in Makati siege mull charges vs police
  32. ^ GmaNews.tv, Trillanes to Santiago: Reconsider expulsion bid
  33. ^ Abs-Cbn, DOJ to file rebellion charges vs Trillanes, 35 others
  34. ^ Inquirer.net, NCRCom: Security lapses but no mutiny by Magdalo guards
  35. ^ Inquirer.net, ABS-CBN tapes sought PNP order decried as attack on free press
  36. ^ AbsCbn, Guingona, other 'seniors' may be turned over to lawyers, kin
  37. ^ Manila StandardToday, 3 Binay guards joined Pen putsch, says AFP
  38. ^ Afp.google.com, US ambassador gives backing to Philippine president
  39. ^ GMA NEWS.TV, Makati police exec, 23 others sacked over standoff
  40. ^ Manila Standard Today, ‘Reporter’ helped rebel officer escape, says PNP
  41. ^ Worldpress.com, Philippine Rebellion Fails but Dissatisfaction Continues
  42. ^ Inquirer.net, 2 solons oppose Trillanes et al transfer to Muntinlupa
  43. ^ GMA NEWS.TV, Judge in high-profile cases gets to handle Trillanes case
  44. ^ Inquirer.net, Arroyo: No mercy for Trillanes
  45. ^ AbsCbn, Makati court junks rebellion charges vs Guingona, other civilians
  46. ^ GMA NEWS.TV, Trillanes, 16 others in Makati standoff ask court to junk rebellion case
  47. ^ sunstar.com.ph, SC upholds junking of Trillanes' plea on Senate presence
  48. ^ inquirer.net, SC junks Trillanes dream to attend Senate hearings

[edit] Related links

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Senators of the 14th Congress of the Philippines
Term ends June 30, 2010
Term ends June 30, 2013
Angara · Aquino · Arroyo · A. P. Cayetano · Escudero · Honasan · Lacson · Legarda · Pangilinan · Trillanes  · Villar · Zubiri
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Trillanes_IV"
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