MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a staunch critic of President Duterte, is ready for anything the administration may throw at him, including being thrown in jail, once his term expires on June 30.
Trillanes described his 12 years as a senator as a “wild ride with so many twists and turns” where he learned so much, made many friends and learned to love some of his colleagues who have been very critical of him.
“I believe I’ve done my best. I’ve tried to make a difference given the time and energy resources I had. I believe I’ve done my job,” the opposition senator told the Kapihan sa Senado forum.
Trillanes said he plans to teach but will remain a vocal member of the opposition even if he is more at risk for harassment or being prosecuted on what he expects to be dubious charges in order to have him put behind bars.
“Even when I was a senator, that didn’t stop (the administration) from harassing me, but it’s they who should be afraid,” he said, referring to the attempt to arrest him in 2018 on coup charges when Duterte issued a proclamation revoking the amnesty granted to him in 2011.
Trillanes, along with several military officers, were jailed for over seven years after staging the so-called Oakwood mutiny.
Asked if he was ready to be jailed again, he said: “I’m ready. The question is, are they ready?”
Under the present administration, a member of the opposition “should be prepared for everything,” according to Trillanes.
“All my experience led me to be who I am today. If I can’t survive what may come my way, there’s God who will bridge the gap,” he said.
Trillanes added that he is also proud of his legislative record, including successfully pushing for salary increases of public school teachers and uniformed personnel.