Trillanes spends the night at the Senate

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV spent the night at the Senate building after President Rodrigo Duterte declared the amnesty granted to the legislator void, Cecille Villarosa reported on Unang Balita.

His supporters trooped to the Senate building to bring food and to assure him of that they are standing by him.

Around midnight, Trillanes met with his lawyers to discuss the legal strategy against Duterte's declaration.

As to how long he intended to stay in his Senate office, Trillanes said, "Until me reslove ito, for me or against me."

Duterte issued Proclamation 572 that revokes the amnesty granted to Trillanes and orders his arrest on the basis that the Senator did not apply for amnesty in the first place.

Former President Benigno Aquino III  granted to Trillanes and company an amnesty with concurrence of Congress in 2011.

Coup d'etat raps were filed against Trillanes and company but the charges were dismissed by the court in September 2011.

He told reporters that he is ready to be imprisoned again, adding that he already spent more than seven years in prison.

When asked if he will surrender if a warrant of arrest would be issued, Trillanes replied that he will have to consult with his lawyers and Senate leadership.

"Eh nakulong naman kasi ako for more than 7 and a half years, ayoko namang maulit sana yun, but kung talagang pupunta run, its not a new experience," he said.

"I will definitely consult my lawyers, the Senate leadership. I will abide," he added.

Trillanes believes that the amnesty was declared void as a means to silence those who oppose President Duterte.

"But dito kasi pinapakita natin kung gano yung persecution, oppression na ginagawa ni Duterte," he said.

Villarosa reported that PNP-CIDG personnel also spent the night at the Senate. — BAP, GMA News