Trillanes thanks Aquino for amnesty

Detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday thanked President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for signing the proclamation granting amnesty to soldiers like him who were involved in failed attempts to overthrow the Arroyo government. "I would like to express my profound gratitude to President Noynoy Aquino for yesterday's amnesty proclamation. This act of magnanimity is also a clear indication of his sincere desire to attain unity and peace for our country," Trillanes told reporters in a text message on Wednesday. The detained lawmaker likewise expressed gratitude to all those who supported him. "I thank, as well, all those who moved and prayed for this amnesty to happen. To all of you, I am forever indebted," he said. Trillanes is facing coup d’etat charges before the sala of Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 148 Judge Oscar Pimentel for his alleged involvement in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny. He is also facing rebellion charges before the the sala of Makati RTC branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda for his supposed participation in the 2007 Manila Peninsula hotel siege. He is currently being detained at the Philippine Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Before the amnesty proclamation could take effect, however, congressional approval is needed. On Tuesday, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said that they might pass the resolution concurring with Aquino's proclamation on Wednesday. However, Senator Teofisto Guingona III, who heads the Senate committee on peace, unification, and reconciliation, said that they will still have to conduct a hearing next week before passing the resolution. Senator Gregorio Honasan said the move was made so that there wouldn't be any impression that they "railroaded" the process just because Trillanes was from the Senate. He likewise denied that the Senate knew that the court handling Trillanes' case was going to come out with a promulgation on October 28. "It is an act of statemanship by a government that is confident in its ability to unite our people and harness its productive capacities for our peace and development," he said in an interview on Wednesday. Enrile said they hope to have Trillanes in the Senate when session resumes in November. - VVP, GMANews.TV