No problems with Trillanes' amnesty application so far — DND

The amnesty application of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV would most likely pass the first stage, according to Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Col. Eduardo Batac. Pending the approval of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Batac said that there were no problems so far with the amnesty process. However, he did not divulge the amnesty committee's findings, saying results of the application would only be revealed once Gazmin has approved them. "According to the implementing rules and regulations any opposition to the appeal should have been raised 15 days after the application was filed," Batac told GMANews.TV in an interview on Friday. As for Trillanes' application, Batac said "no one opposed it." The first batch of applications, consisting of four officers and 15 enlisted personnel, were filed on January 4 and have already been approved by the amnesty committee, Batac said. There are 189 applicants for amnesty so far, 53 of which are officers and 156 enlisted personnel. Applicants whose applications would be rejected will have 10 days to seek a reconsideration. Over 300 military officers and enlisted personnel participated in three different uprisings from 2003: the Okawood mutiny in 2003, the Marine standoff in 2006, and the Peninsula Manila siege in 2007. Based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations approved by President Benigno Aquino III, one of the major provisions of applying for amnesty is an admission of guilt of violating the Constitution. Although Trillanes filed for amnesty, other high-profile figures such as Marine Col. Ariel Querubin and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim have not. Lim earlier indicated he has no plans on availing of any government amnesty, saying it was former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez who should admit to any guilt. "It's their [Querubin's and Lim's] prerogative," said Batac. "They're in the best position to judge if applying will be to their advantage." Batac said approved applicants would be scheduled to take their oath of allegiance on January 26. Enlisted personnel whose amnesty applications are approved are eligible for military reintegration. Officers can not be reintegrated but are eligible for separation and retirement benefits if they have already qualified for them before their offense. — TJD, GMANews.TV