Koko on Trillanes’ US trip: I hope no one is working for bad US-PHL ties

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday took a swipe at Senator Antonio Trillanes IV over the latter’s trip to the United States.

According to Pimentel, he was informed by Trillanes of his US visit but did not provide details of the trip.

A newspaper report said Trillanes is in the US allegedly to ask US lawmakers to convince President Donald Trump not to push through with his trip to the Philippines next month.

Trillanes left on October 15. 

On Twitter, US Senator Marco Rubio said he and Trillanes met and discussed “US-Philippines alliance, combating corruption and protecting human rights amid their narcotics crisis.”

Sought for comment, Pimentel said: “Is he now a US politician?”

Asked about the possible motive of Trillanes’ meeting, the Senate President replied: “Please direct questions to Sen. Trillanes since I am abroad trying my best to develop, enhance, and strengthen PH relations with various countries (Russia and Great Britain)."

“I hope no one else is wishing, or worse, working for ‘bad’ relations between PH and other countries like the US and EU (European Union) members. If we love our country, we should always promote our beloved country's best interest. Always,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel, president of administration party PDP-Laban, is currently in Russia, leading the Philippine delegation at the 137th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Malacañang has said it was not privy to Trillanes’ motive of going to the US.

As of posting time, the office of Trillanes has yet to comment on the matter. — RSJ, GMA News