Like Jalosjos, no way out for Trillanes - AFP lawyer

Basing his legal argument on the Jalosjos case, a military lawyer said on Sunday that detained senator-elect Antonio Trillanes IV may not be allowed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to attend Senate sessions and hearings. Lieutenant Col. Jose Feliciano Loi said that like convicted rapist and former Zambonga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos, Trillanes may not be allowed by the AFP to go out and participate in legislative sessions. “I believe there is jurisprudence… Take the classical case of Congressman Jalosjos, he was even re-elected as congressman and yet there was this conviction of rape…Although re-elected as congressman, he cannot attend the session in Congress. Probably, that will also apply to the good senator-elect Sonny Trillanes," said Loi. He also said that under the Articles of War, military personnel accused before a military tribunal are not allowed to post bail. “He may not be allowed to attend the sessions before the Senate if there is no court order or there is no approval from the GCM (general court martial)." Trillanes is accused of violating Article of War 96 or conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman in connection with the failed July 2003 Oakwood mutiny. He is detained at the Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City. Loi also said there is no provision in the Articles of War giving detainees temporary passes. “There is none. Once you are charged before a court martial, you are restricted to quarters. So if you are restricted to quarters, how can you attend the proceedings?," he said. - GMANews.TV