Sereno tells Duterte: Pinahamak mo ang AFP

President Rodrigo Duterte put the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a dangerous situation when he issued Proclamation 572 revoking the amnesty of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV without consulting the military leadership, former Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno said Wednesday.

“What President Duterte did by not consulting even the military is very dangerous.  In other words, kumbaga, pinahamak ni Presidente Duterte ang AFP,” Sereno told reporters after her visit to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV at the latter's office at the Senate.

She said opening the idea that an amnesty could be revoked could have a big implication on the soldiers who, at one point of their service, had a problem with the law.

“Biruin mo namang buksan ang idea na lahat ng amnestiya na naibigay na sa libo-libong sundalo na nagkaroon ng problema sa batas, hindi lang sa time ni Cory (fomer President Aquino) ngunit sa kanunununuan pa natin na nagkaroon ng mga aklasan sa hukbong sandatahan e lahat pala ‘yan ay maaring buksan,” she said.

The former top magistrate said even the amnesties given to AFP chief of staff Carlito Galvez Jr. and Senator Gregorio Honasan for their participation in the failed  coup in 1989 against former President Corazon Aquino's administration could are in danger of getting revoked too by subsequent presidents.

“Eh ibig sabihin ang  amnestiya na nakuha ni Gen. Carlito Galvez, kapag nagbago ang administrasyon ay pwede na pong buksan.  Gayundin ang amnestiya ni Sen. Gringo Honasan at marami pa.  Ang implikasyon nito ay napakalalim at nakakabahala,” she said.

She said Duterte's actions could create uncertainty among soldiers who have returned to the folds of the law and might be in danger of getting their amnesties revisited.

“Ibig sabhinin na imbes na buo ang sandatahang lakas e magkakawatak watak sila at laging may agamagam na ang nasarhan na ay maaari pang buksan.  Malagim po ang maaaring mangy ari,” she said. — MDM, GMA News