SAYING that even ordinary Filipinos were angered by what Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV did, Malacañang yesterday reiterated the government would not allow him to get away with his crime.
“As Antonio Trillanes’ caper was unfolding last Thursday, ordinary Filipinos expressed dismay and outrage that an elected public official was using extra-constitutional means to ventilate his grievances against the government,” Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said.
Trillanes, along with Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and other soldiers charged for the August 2003 mutiny walked out of a hearing on Thursday and took over Manila Peninsula hotel in Makati City. He demanded the resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo and asked for the support of the people and the military for a change in government.
“Whether or not one supports the President, the rule of law remains paramount and sacrosanct. There are constitutional means and lawful structures for effecting change,” Bunye said.
The Senate is expected to meet in a caucus today to discuss the expulsion bid against Trillanes. Sen. Miriam Santiago had filed a resolution seeking to punish Trillanes for “disorderly behavior and unparliamentary acts and language, including his suspension or expulsion from the Senate.”
Presidential Management Staff chief Cerge Remonde said Malacañang would not interfere in the Senate but stressed that Trillanes should be punished for his action.
“Our revised penal code defines crime and provides for their punishment. Trillanes cannot be above the law. He must face the full consequences of his irresponsible actuation. Allowing him to get away with the damage he has done is the vilest form of mockery of justice,” Remonde said.
“He is supposed to be a lawmaker, not a lawbreaker. Trillanes insulted all those who voted for him by his infantile messianic behavior,” he said.
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