DOJ Opposes Media Access for Trillanes
It seems to me that everywhere you turn, there is a conspiracy in place to ensure an upper hand for The Administration candidates this upcoming May Election.
On Tuesday, the Inquirer reported that The Department of Justice was opposing media access for LTSG ANTONIO TRILLANES.
MANILA, Philippines — Claiming concern the safety of Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes, the Department of Justice said it will oppose the detained officer’s bid to face the media in connection with his campaign for a Senate seat.
“People might take advantage if there will be leniency in accepting visitors. It’s quite risky,” state prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera, a member of the government’s panel of prosecutors, explained.
Citing equal protection of the law and freedom of the press, Trillanes asked a Makati trial court that he be allowed to speak to the press media and discuss his platform of government.
As I informed our dear friend Ellen, I think in light of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty or until conviction, it is within the rights of Trillanes to be allowed media access.
To put security as a reason is insufficient since Trillanes is willing to take the risk (although, the legitimacy of the threat is questionable)
What about other avenues such as phone interviews? A complete media blackout is definitely unconstitutional.
There is an online citizen’s movement to support the Magdalo Group at magdaloparasapagbabago.blogspot.com, here’s a brief snippet of the blog.
To all patriots,
The Filipino people deserve a better life. Let us unite and save our nation from despair.
With one voice let us support Change…
Support Trillanes…
Support Magdalo…
Little things bound together can be the tipping force for change.
I support the right of Trillanes to pursue office, but I’m still not too keen on the way he has handled himself. Taking Makati hostage, in my opinion, was a bit selfish, ill-advised, poorly planned, poorly executed, illegal, and did not accomplish a thing. He may look like a hero to many, but this is just another case in staging yet another coup, and joining in the cycle that we seem to never get out of. He smells of Gringo reincarnated, and I have never had respect for Honasan and his many antics.
I’ve seen Trillanes’ proposed legislative program, and on the surface it may seem comprehensive, but read deep and you will see that it is still vague in nature.
For example.
A bill that would reengineer government processes to reduce bureaucratic red tape and minimize the points of contact between the public official and client. This would hasten business transactions, encourage economic activities and minimize opportunities for bribery and extortion practices.
But how will he reengineer the process? He gives the Title of the bill and the result, but nothing concrete as to how he will implement the process. Easy for anyone to say that he will stimulate economic activity, but implementation is something else.
A bill that would raise the salaries and wages of public school teachers, professors and lecturers of state colleges and universities to a level befitting the dignity of their exalted professions.
What is that level? What about giving a ballpark figure?
Look, I’m not knocking on Trillanes, and I commend him for at least putting out his plan (better than most other candidates out there), but this is a two page plan, that seems to be more rhetoric than concrete plans. These are excellent ideas, but nothing really earth shattering and different than what most other candidates will be putting out there.
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Nick,
In a way, Trillanes’ two-page program shows he’s practical - people will better remember if they are short and direct to the point.
I suppose if he’s given the chance to face media, answer questions, discuss his program, he actually might come up with more details but as you say, the DOJ has decide they wouldn’t let him loose because of some vague risk factor, which to me is a complete inanity.
Complete, utter baloney and I’m not buying that.
What risk? Risk that Trillanes might bolt out of prison? Then double or treble the guards - darn! That ain’t difficult.
Risk that Trillanes mighte get shot? So? The man is a soldier and has faced greater risks than DoJ’s perceived risk. Utter nonsense.
The real risk is in fact only to the DOJ and by extension to Gloria’s government because allowing Trillanes to face and answer media is like hitting themselves on the head.
Anyway, before I forget what I actually wanted to say, I believe that if Trillanes’ could actually say how he would COMBAT Gloria’s government or her AFP (headlining corruption, crookery, stealing, dishonesty, etc is easy rhetoric) or to be more precise: how he intends to work out the dismantling of Gloria’s government (not the Republic) would be not only interesting to hear but definitely one item that he should tackle, otherwise, he will sound and appear, as you say one failed local gringo.
PV, excellent points. And I truly wish to hear more about Trillanes and his views on the current issues. We are being done an injustice if we are not able to get access. This is still a democracy last I heard, this issue is not over until Trillanes is allowed to face or at least be in touch with media.
Nick,
Thanks.
Short of ransacking the DOJ office, it would do the voters/supporters of Trillanes and the Pinoy voters at large a lot of good if they could do a petition, obtain signatures, millions if possible to present to the DOJ asking that Trillanes be allowed to meet media so he could answer questions.
Reasonable, don’t you think?
I’m with Philippine Vigil on this one, The supporters of Trillanes should band together to start a campaign. Obviously, this isn’t only about supporting Trillanes, but also sending a message to DOJ, that they cannot bully the Filipino People!