Antonio Trillanes IV
Encyclopedia
Antonio "Sonny" Fuentes Trillanes IV (born August 6, 1971, Manila
) is a former Navy
Lieutenant Senior Grade
and concurrently serving as a senator
of the Philippines
since 2007
.
He is best known for leading the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny
when he and a group of 321 soldiers took control over the Oakwood towers in Makati City
as protest for alleged rampant corruption
in the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines
in particular. He was detained after the mutiny was quelled.
In the Senate election
held in May 2007, Trillanes was elected to the Senate as guest candidate for 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 abandoned his own trial and triggered a standoff
at the Peninsula Manila
hotel in Makati City
, where he called for the ouster of then President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
.
On December 20, 2010, he was given provisional freedom pending the recognition of the court's amnesty declaration of president Benigno Aquino III
.
, to Phil. Navy Capt. Antonio Floranza Trillanes Sr. (PMA Class '59) of Ligao City
, Albay
, and Estelita (née Fuentes) from Capiz
. Trillanes' other siblings are: Antonia; Antonio Jr.; Juan Antonio ("Jay"); Antonio III ("Tiny"); and Dominic.
Trillanes is married to Arlene G. Orejana, a member of the Philippine Military Academy
corps of professors - a PMA Class 1997 graduate herself - and together they have had three children: Francis Seth; Thea Estelle; and Alan Andrew (who succumbed to illness at 21 days old).
In 2002, Trillanes took up his graduate studies at the University of the Philippines – Diliman
, and got his masters degree in Public Administration, Major in Public Policy and Program Management.
. Later, he accepted an invitation from the Genuine Opposition
party (GO) as one of its guest candidates to field against the Arroyo administration. He campaigned, though in jail, through the social networking site, Friendster
. He was eventually proclaimed Senator-elect on June 15, 2007 by the Commission on Elections.
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. A week after, 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. In response to Trillanes' continued imprisonment despite his election as Senator, 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
on August 23, 2007. Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros, Ana Maria Nemenzo of the Freedom from Debt Coalition, opposition leader Jose Alcuaz, and Trillanes' spokesperson Sonny Rivera, were present.
Notwithstanding calls from civil society groups to allow Trillanes to serve as Senator pursuant to his election, Judge Oscar Pimentel denied Trillanes's petition to attend Senate
sessions on September 20, 2007, for lack of merit, ruling that his incarceration
would not be a bar to fulfilling his duties as a Senator. His petition, having been denied by the lower court, Senator Trillanes filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the Philippines
, asking that his petition to be allowed to attend Senate sessions be granted. Representing him was his lawyer Reynaldo Robles. Included in said petition was a request that he be allowed to receive visitors in his jail at Fort Bonifacio
.
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. These requests were however later overshadowed by Trillanes' decision to stage another action against Gloria Arroyo's administration. On November 29, 2007, the senator 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, Senator Trillanes and his companions surrendered.
At present, PresidentBenigno Aquino III
gave Trillanes provisional liberty while awaiting the court's recognition of the Amnesty Proclamation for the Magdalo soldiers. He was able for the first time to enter the Senate and perform his duties as a duly elected Senator.
, Capt. Nicanor Faeldon
and other Magdalo (mutineers) 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. 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!"
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.
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."
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."
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."
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. 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.).
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. Prominent businessmen denounced Trillanes and Lim.
had "spoken" with officials at Malacañang Palace
to reiterate her country's confidence that the incident is swiftly and peacefully resolved by the Philippine National Police, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in accordance with Philippine law."
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.
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.
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.” Velasco, also stated on Peninsula 50: "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. There was no media personality charged. And from what I have observed so far, media did not do anything wrong during the standoff." 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. Francisco Nemenzo Jr. confirmed that a police general hit Senator Antonio Trillanes IV: “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]. 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." 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.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will file charges of economic sabotage against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. 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:"We're going to have a talk with the AFP and KBP to discuss the problem so what happened will not be repeated." 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.
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)." 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. 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 (mutineers) guards. 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.
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."
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."
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 executives 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.” Bishop Emeritus Julio Labayen of Infanta, Quezon, returned to Quezon province (Infanta with Bishop Rolando Tirona).
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.”
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 Pimentel, from whose courtroom the walkout began. The apology however, as Sen. Trillanes pointed out, was not directed at Mrs. Arroyo.
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.
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." 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."
Ramon Tulfo lately hit Trillanes' in his column saying "how can this person denounce corruption in the Arroyo administration when he himself has unexplained wealth like cars and a house in Antipolo while he was just merely a Navy Lieutenant.
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
) is a former Navy
Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
Lieutenant Senior Grade
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
and concurrently serving as a senator
Senate of the Philippines
The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress of the Philippines...
of the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
since 2007
Philippine Senate election, 2007
Election to the Senate of the Philippines was held on Monday, May 14, 2007. This is to elect 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate. Together with those elected in 2004, they will comprise the 14th Congress via plurality-at-large voting. The senators elected in 2004 will serve until June 30, 2010, while...
.
He is best known for leading the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny
Oakwood mutiny
The Oakwood mutiny occurred in the Philippines on July 27, 2003. A group of 321 armed soldiers who called themselves "Bagong Katipuneros" led by Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala and LtSG...
when he and a group of 321 soldiers took control over the Oakwood towers in Makati City
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
as protest for alleged rampant corruption
Political corruption
Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by...
in the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
in particular. He was detained after the mutiny was quelled.
In the Senate election
Philippine Senate election, 2007
Election to the Senate of the Philippines was held on Monday, May 14, 2007. This is to elect 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate. Together with those elected in 2004, they will comprise the 14th Congress via plurality-at-large voting. The senators elected in 2004 will serve until June 30, 2010, while...
held in May 2007, Trillanes was elected to the Senate as guest candidate for the anti-government Genuine Opposition
Genuine Opposition
Genuine Opposition is the umbrella political coalition of the parties' senatorial line-up for the 2007 Philippine midterm elections, which is in opposition to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo...
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 abandoned his own trial and triggered a standoff
Manila Peninsula rebellion
The Manila Peninsula rebellion occurred on November 29, 2007 at The Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati City, Philippines. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Brigadier General Danilo Lim, and 25 other Magdalo officers walked out of their trial and marched through the streets of Makati City...
at the Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila , is a 5-star hotel in the Philippines. It is located on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in the central business district of Makati City, wherein it is now a landmark because of its majestic fountain and falls in Metro Manila. It is located also in Barangay Urdaneta...
hotel in Makati City
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
, where he called for the ouster of then President
President of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
.
On December 20, 2010, he was given provisional freedom pending the recognition of the court's amnesty declaration of president Benigno Aquino III
Benigno Aquino III
Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III , also known as Noynoy Aquino or PNoy, is a Filipino politician who has been the 15th and current President of the Philippines since June 2010....
.
Personal life
Known as “Sonny” to his family and friends, Trillanes was born and raised in Caloocan CityCaloocan City
The City of Caloocan is one of the cities and municipalities that comprises the Metro Manila region in the Philippines. It is a major residential area inside Metro Manila...
, to Phil. Navy Capt. Antonio Floranza Trillanes Sr. (PMA Class '59) of Ligao City
Ligao City
Ligao City is a 4th class city in the province of Albay, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 101,179 people in 17,031 households. Ligao City is strategically located in the heart of the Third District of Albay...
, Albay
Albay
Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Legazpi City and the province borders Camarines Sur to the north and Sorsogon to the south. Also to the northeast is Lagonoy Gulf....
, and Estelita (née Fuentes) from Capiz
Capiz
Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north...
. Trillanes' other siblings are: Antonia; Antonio Jr.; Juan Antonio ("Jay"); Antonio III ("Tiny"); and Dominic.
Trillanes is married to Arlene G. Orejana, a member of the Philippine Military Academy
Philippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy or PMA, is the Philippine military school for the Armed Forces of the Philippines . PMA was established on December 21, 1936 by the virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 1 . PMA is located in Baguio, Benguet province...
corps of professors - a PMA Class 1997 graduate herself - and together they have had three children: Francis Seth; Thea Estelle; and Alan Andrew (who succumbed to illness at 21 days old).
Education
His elementary years were spent at Siena College in Quezon City from 1975–1983, and from 1983–1987, his secondary education was at Angelicum School in Quezon City. In 1990, while a third year BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering|ECE] student from Dela Salle University in Taft, he took and passed the [PMA] entrance examination. He formally entered into public service the following year as a cadet in the Philippine Military Academy where he graduated cum laude in 1995, while earning a degree in BS Naval System Engineering. Other awards he received while in PMA are the Mathematics Plaque, Physical Science Plaque, and the Tambuli Award for electrical/electronics engineering.In 2002, Trillanes took up his graduate studies at the University of the Philippines – Diliman
University of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
, and got his masters degree in Public Administration, Major in Public Policy and Program Management.
Political career
Trillanes filed his certificate of candidacy on February 7, 2007, to run as an independent Senator even though he was detained for coup d'etatCoup d'état
A coup d'état state, literally: strike/blow of state)—also known as a coup, putsch, and overthrow—is the sudden, extrajudicial deposition of a government, usually by a small group of the existing state establishment—typically the military—to replace the deposed government with another body; either...
. Later, he accepted an invitation from the Genuine Opposition
Genuine Opposition
Genuine Opposition is the umbrella political coalition of the parties' senatorial line-up for the 2007 Philippine midterm elections, which is in opposition to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo...
party (GO) as one of its guest candidates to field against the Arroyo administration. He campaigned, though in jail, through the social networking site, Friendster
Friendster
Friendster is a social gaming site that is based in Malaysia, KL. The company now operates mainly from the three Asian countries namely in the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore....
. He was eventually proclaimed Senator-elect on June 15, 2007 by the Commission on Elections.
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. A week after, 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. In response to Trillanes' continued imprisonment despite his election as Senator, former University of the Philippines
University of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
president Francisco Nemenzo, Jr. and former vice president Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Tayko Guingona, Jr. was the Vice President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2004 during the first term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.-Early Life and Career:...
of civil society launched the "Paglingkurin si Trillanes [Let Trillanes Serve] Movement" in Pasay City
Pasay City
The City of Pasay is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is bordered on the north by the country's capital, Manila, to the northeast by Makati City, to the east by Taguig City, and Parañaque City to the south.Pasay City was one of the original four...
on August 23, 2007. Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros, Ana Maria Nemenzo of the Freedom from Debt Coalition, opposition leader Jose Alcuaz, and Trillanes' spokesperson Sonny Rivera, were present.
Notwithstanding calls from civil society groups to allow Trillanes to serve as Senator pursuant to his election, Judge Oscar Pimentel denied Trillanes's petition to attend Senate
Senate of the Philippines
The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress of the Philippines...
sessions on September 20, 2007, for lack of merit, ruling that his incarceration
Incarceration
Incarceration is the detention of a person in prison, typically as punishment for a crime .People are most commonly incarcerated upon suspicion or conviction of committing a crime, and different jurisdictions have differing laws governing the function of incarceration within a larger system of...
would not be a bar to fulfilling his duties as a Senator. His petition, having been denied by the lower court, Senator Trillanes filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the Philippines
Supreme Court of the Philippines
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
, asking that his petition to be allowed to attend Senate sessions be granted. Representing him was his lawyer Reynaldo Robles. Included in said petition was a request that he be allowed to receive visitors in his jail at Fort Bonifacio
Fort Bonifacio
Fort Bonifacio is a highly urbanized district in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The district is named after the main Philippine Army camp in Metro Manila, Fort Andres Bonifacio, which in turn was named after the famous Philippine revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio...
.
On October 17, 2007, the Supreme Court of the Philippines
Supreme Court of the Philippines
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
, in an en banc resolution, directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
(AFP), and Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Oscar Pimentel to comment within 10 days on Senator Antonio Trillanes IV's petition. These requests were however later overshadowed by Trillanes' decision to stage another action against Gloria Arroyo's administration. On November 29, 2007, the senator 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, Senator Trillanes and his companions surrendered.
At present, PresidentBenigno Aquino III
Benigno Aquino III
Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III , also known as Noynoy Aquino or PNoy, is a Filipino politician who has been the 15th and current President of the Philippines since June 2010....
gave Trillanes provisional liberty while awaiting the court's recognition of the Amnesty Proclamation for the Magdalo soldiers. He was able for the first time to enter the Senate and perform his duties as a duly elected Senator.
Manila Peninsula Incident
On the morning of November 29, 2007, Trillanes, Brig. Gen. Danilo LimDanilo Lim
Danilo Lim is a retired Filipino brigadier general. He has been incarcerated at the Camp Crame in Quezon City from 2006 to 2010 for rebellion charges and attempted coup d'état...
, Capt. Nicanor Faeldon
Nicanor Faeldon
Nicanor E. Faeldon is a Captain in the Philippine Marines who gained national and international attention when he participated as one of the alleged leaders of the incident known as the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003.-Oakwood mutiny:...
and other Magdalo (mutineers) officials walked out of their trial and marched through the streets of Makati City
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
, calling for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
. They then had a meeting on the second floor of The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila , is a 5-star hotel in the Philippines. It is located on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in the central business district of Makati City, wherein it is now a landmark because of its majestic fountain and falls in Metro Manila. It is located also in Barangay Urdaneta...
Hotel along Ayala Avenue
Ayala Avenue
Ayala Avenue is an avenue in Makati City in the Philippines. It is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Metro Manila, crossing through the heart of Makati's central business district. Because of the many businesses located on the avenue, Ayala Avenue is aptly nicknamed the Wall Street of the...
. 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
Oakwood mutiny
The Oakwood mutiny occurred in the Philippines on July 27, 2003. A group of 321 armed soldiers who called themselves "Bagong Katipuneros" led by Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala and LtSG...
walked out of court and set up a meeting at The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila , is a 5-star hotel in the Philippines. It is located on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in the central business district of Makati City, wherein it is now a landmark because of its majestic fountain and falls in Metro Manila. It is located also in Barangay Urdaneta...
Hotel, where they called for the ouster of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
. 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. 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!"
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.
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."
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."
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."
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. 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.).
The armored tank then destroyed the main facade of the Manila Peninsula Hotel to allow the troops to enter.
Chief Justice Reynato Puno
Reynato Puno
Reynato Puno y Serrano was the 22nd Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Appointed on December 8, 2006 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he was the 22nd person to serve as Chief Justice...
, who had just arrived from Guam
Guam
Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
, 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. Prominent businessmen denounced Trillanes and Lim.
U.S. Position
The United States, through a statement from the U.S. embassy, reiterated its support for the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: "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 Kristie KenneyKristie Kenney
Kristie Anne Kenney is an American diplomat and the current United States Ambassador to Thailand. She previously served as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines. She is the first female U.S. Ambassador to both countries...
had "spoken" with officials at Malacañang Palace
Malacañang Palace
The Malacañan Palace, commonly known simply as Malacañang, is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Philippines. Located at 1000 J. P. Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila, the house was built in 1750 in Spanish Colonial style. It has been the residence of every...
to reiterate her country's confidence that the incident is swiftly and peacefully resolved by the Philippine National Police, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in accordance with Philippine law."
Compromise
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Brigadier General Danilo Lim decided to compromise to arresting authorities to avoid loss of civilian lives inside the hotel. 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.Aftermath
Trillanes and Lim were placed under maximum security in Camp Crame. 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-CBNABS-CBN
ABS–CBN Corporation is a Philippine-based media conglomerate. It is the Philippines' largest media and entertainment conglomerate. The corporation was the merger of Alto Broadcasting System which at that time owned by James Lindenberg and Antonio Quirino, and the Chronicle Broadcasting Network ...
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.
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.
Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Tayko Guingona, Jr. was the Vice President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2004 during the first term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.-Early Life and Career:...
. 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
Nueva Ecija
Nueva Ecija is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region. Its capital is Palayan City...
and passed along EDSA towards Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City
Quezon City
Quezon City is the former capital and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L...
. 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.
On December 1, 2007, the Philippine National Police
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
(PNP) formed a team to re-arrest Nicanor Faeldon
Nicanor Faeldon
Nicanor E. Faeldon is a Captain in the Philippine Marines who gained national and international attention when he participated as one of the alleged leaders of the incident known as the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003.-Oakwood mutiny:...
, while former University of the Philippines
University of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
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
Rebellion
Rebellion, uprising or insurrection, is a refusal of obedience or order. It may, therefore, be seen as encompassing a range of behaviors aimed at destroying or replacing an established authority such as a government or a head of state...
. 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.” Velasco, also stated on Peninsula 50: "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. There was no media personality charged. And from what I have observed so far, media did not do anything wrong during the standoff." 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. Francisco Nemenzo Jr. confirmed that a police general hit Senator Antonio Trillanes IV: “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]. 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." Meanwhile, opposition senators blocked a resolution of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago
Miriam Defensor-Santiago
Miriam Defensor Santiago is a Senator of the Philippines. She is a lawyer, former trial judge and professor of constitutional and international law. She served as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation in 1988 and the Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform from 1989...
to expel Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV from the Senate of the Philippines
Senate of the Philippines
The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress 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.
Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Tayko Guingona, Jr. was the Vice President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2004 during the first term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.-Early Life and Career:...
returned to Crame to visit detained daughter, and actress-writer Bibeth Orteza was released from Camp Crame
Camp Crame
Camp Crame is the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police and is located in along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City...
. 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
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
's luncheon with Pampanga journalists was cancelled but she kept her Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
itinerary despite ouster attempt.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will file charges of economic sabotage against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. 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:"We're going to have a talk with the AFP and KBP to discuss the problem so what happened will not be repeated." The Senate of the Philippines
Senate of the Philippines
The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress 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.
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)." The Department of Justice (DOJ), 10-page resolution, filed Rebellion
Rebellion
Rebellion, uprising or insurrection, is a refusal of obedience or order. It may, therefore, be seen as encompassing a range of behaviors aimed at destroying or replacing an established authority such as a government or a head of state...
charges against Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Tayko Guingona, Jr. was the Vice President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2004 during the first term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.-Early Life and Career:...
, 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
Senate of the Philippines
The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress 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. The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila , is a 5-star hotel in the Philippines. It is located on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in the central business district of Makati City, wherein it is now a landmark because of its majestic fountain and falls in Metro Manila. It is located also in Barangay Urdaneta...
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
Mutiny
Mutiny is a conspiracy among members of a group of similarly situated individuals to openly oppose, change or overthrow an authority to which they are subject...
by Magdalo (mutineers) guards. 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.
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."
US ambassador Kristie Kenney
Kristie Kenney
Kristie Anne Kenney is an American diplomat and the current United States Ambassador to Thailand. She previously served as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines. She is the first female U.S. Ambassador to both countries...
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."
On December 6, 2007, the Rebellion
Rebellion
Rebellion, uprising or insurrection, is a refusal of obedience or order. It may, therefore, be seen as encompassing a range of behaviors aimed at destroying or replacing an established authority such as a government or a head of state...
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.
Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
Aquilino "Nene" Quilinging Pimentel, Jr. is a Filipino politician who served as the President of the Senate of the Philippines from 2000-2001.-Delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention:...
and Sen. Panfilo Lacson
Panfilo Lacson
Panfilo "Ping" Morena Lacson, Sr. is a Filipino politician. He was Director-General of the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001 and has been a member of the Philippine Senate since 2001.-Early life and education:...
visited Antonio Trillanes IV to check on his living conditions. Pimentel told Trillanes to ‘Stay out of trouble.’ The NBI asked The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila , is a 5-star hotel in the Philippines. It is located on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in the central business district of Makati City, wherein it is now a landmark because of its majestic fountain and falls in Metro Manila. It is located also in Barangay Urdaneta...
for Nov. 29 CCTV footages. ABS-CBN news executives 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.” Bishop Emeritus Julio Labayen of Infanta, Quezon, returned to Quezon province (Infanta with Bishop Rolando Tirona).
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.”
On December 13, 2007, the Makati court dismissed Rebellion
Rebellion
Rebellion, uprising or insurrection, is a refusal of obedience or order. It may, therefore, be seen as encompassing a range of behaviors aimed at destroying or replacing an established authority such as a government or a head of state...
cases against Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
Teofisto Tayko Guingona, Jr. was the Vice President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2004 during the first term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.-Early Life and Career:...
, 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 Pimentel, from whose courtroom the walkout began. The apology however, as Sen. Trillanes pointed out, was not directed at Mrs. Arroyo.
On December 28, 2007, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and 16 accused by counsel Ernesto Francisco, in the November 29 Makati Rebellion
Rebellion
Rebellion, uprising or insurrection, is a refusal of obedience or order. It may, therefore, be seen as encompassing a range of behaviors aimed at destroying or replacing an established authority such as a government or a head of state...
, 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.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines
Supreme Court of the Philippines
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
, on June 27, 2008, per ponente Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales
Conchita Carpio-Morales
Conchita Carpio-Morales is the newly appointed and current Ombudsman of the Philippines. She was previously an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines....
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." 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."
Ramon Tulfo lately hit Trillanes' in his column saying "how can this person denounce corruption in the Arroyo administration when he himself has unexplained wealth like cars and a house in Antipolo while he was just merely a Navy Lieutenant.
Related links
- Trillanes and Magdalo website
- THE TRILLANES PAPERS
- Profile of Antonio Trillanes
- Timeline, Oakwood Mutiny
- Oakwook Mutiny Backgrounder
- Destabilization efforts against the Arroyo administration
- Profile, Antonio Fuentes Trillanes IV
- Profile, Brigadier General Danilo Lim
- Transcript: Statement of Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Magdalo soldier
- Sunstar, Manila Peninsula Rebellion timeline
- supremecourt.gov.ph Trillanes v Pimentel, G.R. No. 179817, June 27, 2008