Robredo visits embattled Trillanes at Senate to show support

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday visited and showed support to embattled Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

Robredo said she came from a speaking engagement in Pasay and thought of visiting the senator to express support. Trillanes has been placed under the custody of Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

The vice president recounted that she was with Trillanes when news broke out that the Palace, through Proclamation 572, nullified his amnesty. They were in the process of deliberating on a more unified Senate slate.

Duterte claimed that Trillanes did not comply with the requirements for amnesty application. He also ordered the arrest of Trillanes, despite court rulings in 2011 dismissing the senator’s cases due to the amnesty.

Trillanes has also contradicted the Palace's claim and showed documents that support his argument.

READ: Fact check: Palace claims Trillanes did not apply for amnesty 

“For me, it is clear that this is harassment. It is clear why this is being done. We strongly condemn this way: Using power to silence those who have a different view with the government,” she said.

Trillanes is one of the strongest critics of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Robredo raised that the administration is trying to silence the opposition with its latest move.

“What is alarming here, not only for Senator Trillanes, but for all of us who have criticized, opposed a policy or government’s decision,” the vice president said.

READ: Robredo: Voided amnesty shows lengths admin will go to silence critics

The Palace’s move to nullify the amnesty would only unify the opposition, she added.

Trillanes has already sought the Supreme Court for a preliminary injunction on his case. He is also due to attend a hearing at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 on the Department of Justice's motion for the issuance of a travel ban and alias warrant against him. — Kristine Joy Patag