Calida slams Trillanes: Who’s the coward man?

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines —  “Sabi niya (referring to Senator Antonio Trillanes), talawan daw ang ating Presidente. Kinsay talawan karon nga nagtago man siya sa Senado, nabubuwesit na ang mga tawo sa Senado. Kun isog siya mogawas siya and Im challenging him nga mogawas ka kun isog ka,”

These were the exact words of Solicitor General Jose Calida, about the nullification of Trillanes' amnesty, during his speech before a forum sponsored by the Dumaguete City government yesterday.

Calida challenged Trillanes with a heavy voice: “Akala niya (Trillanes) siya lang ang matapang sa mundo. I challenged him to get out of the Senate and we will arrest you.”

He explained why Proclamation 572 was issued by the President, and emphasized that at least two minimum requirements were not complied by the senator and that he is ready to defend the proclamation of the Presisdent in any venue, even at the Supreme Court.

During the open forum Calida, who apparently would not call Trillanes as a senator, described the latter as a putschist and a trouble maker.

The granting of the amnesty for Trillanes was irregular and so the investigation was conducted, Calida said. It turned out from the custodian itself of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that there is no record of Trillanes’ application for amnesty, which is a violation of the rules for the amnesty, he said.

Secondly, as quoted in the press, "this putschist never regretted what he did, and did not apologize for committing such offense, and that is again a violation," said the solicitor general.

“if you are given an amnesty, you have to admit for your guilt. The arrogant putschist did not. But nonetheless, was given this amnesty," added Calida.