Trillanes says he won’t run for president in 2022, vows support for Robredo

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday said he is not eyeing the presidency come the 2022 elections, but would rather be supporting fellow opposition leader Vice President Leni Robredo.

"The Magdalos have decided to field me again but it's still open. The re-election is an option but personally, I am inclined to just go full-time in supporting a presidential candidate. In this case, Vice President Leni Robredo," Trillanes said in an interview on Rappler Talk.

"The opposition has solidified and unified under Vice President Leni Robredo," he added.

Asked if he would consider being Robredo's running mate, he said: "Not anymore. I believe the public has made a judgment already on that so that's not on the table."

The highest position that he may be running for is senator, he added.

Trillanes recently posted bail for a conspiracy to commit sedition case that was filed by government prosecutors against him and 10 others.

He was accused of agreeing to spread allegations linking President Rodrigo Duterte and his family to the illegal drug trade.

Trillanes, a strong opposition figure, currently faces 20 cases—most of which were filed by supporters of the administration.

Rebellion charges over his role in two failed mutiny attempts in 2003 and 2007 had also been revived.

'Not extra spicy'

The former senator said his opposition to the Duterte administration is just at par with those of other critics, when asked how he would assess himself as a dissenter.

"There's nothing extra spicy about how I express my dissent. Siguro—according to those who don't like me—medyo maangas lang 'yung dating kaya siguro napag-iinitan," Trillanes said.

"The Vice President, if you would just read her words, it's just as strong or in fact stronger than my own words but she says it with the grace of a Filipina woman," he added.

Trillanes said that despite the challenges and threats, he would not change how he expresses himself and his principles.

He promised to reveal more exposes using his new online platform as a vlogger. — RSJ, GMA News