No apologies from Trillanes to Arroyo

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV insisted on Wednesday that he will not apologize to anyone, especially not to Pampanga Rep. and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose administration he attempted to overthrow at least twice. Asked by reporters whether he will issue any apology, Trillanes answered a resounding "no" during a weekly forum at the Senate on Wednesday. However, he said those demanding an apology from him are entitled to their opinion. As he refused to admit guilt or show remorse for participating in at least two coup attempts, Trillanes said "I believe I would refer that to my lawyer." He added that he would like to avoid seeing Arroyo. "As far as possible, we should avoid that encounter but in case that happens (we're) civilized human beings (but) it's going to be awkward," he said. Still, he clarified that he does not take the issue with Arroyo personally. "What happened to me was a matter of fate. Walang (There is no) personal animosity. I am not a vindictive person," he said.

Despite the cases against him, Trillanes is going to avail of the amnesty grant available under Proclamation No. 75 issued by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. In an earlier interview, the senator has expressed his intention to run for reelection in 2013 to make up for the time lost in the Senate. Trillanes was detained after joining more than 300 soldiers in seizing Oakwood Premiere Hotel (now Ascott) in Makati City on July 27, 2003. Among other issues, they were demanding the resignation of Arroyo, whom they accused of corruption. In the May 2007 elections, Trillanes was elected to the Senate as guest candidate for the opposition. He assumed office on June 30, 2007, becoming the first Philippine senator to be elected while in jail. On November 29, 2007, he abandoned his own trial and triggered a standoff at the Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati City, where he again called for Arroyo's ouster. Trillanes is facing coup d’etat charges before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 148 and rebellion charges before the Makati RTC branch 150. The Makati RTC branch 148 granted him provisional liberty on Monday. - VVP, GMANews.TV