Los Angeles Fil-Ams blast Duterte for attempt to arrest Trillanes

Sen. Antonio Trillanes’ supporters picketing outside the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles. FACEBOOK

LOS ANGELES – Filipino Americans gathered for a prayer vigil in front of the Philippine Consulate to express support for Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on September 8 following President Duterte’s revocation of his amnesty for his role in coup attempts in 2003 and 2007 against former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Trillanes’ supporters condemned Proclamation No. 572 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 31 alleging that the former soldier-turned-lawmaker never complied the requirements for amnesty and must face arrest,

To defend himself and challenge Duterte, Senator Trillanes proved the legal documents to the media that he accepted the amnesty offered by former president Aquino and that his cases were dismissed in 2011.

In a statement Samahang Magdalo Los Angeles Chapter President Remedy Medina accused President Duterte of diverting the public from serious issues facing the country.

Fil-Am free-lance sports writer Fe Panaligan Koons raises her fist during picket supporting “politically persecuted” Sen. Antonio Trillanes. INQUIRER/Christian Esteban

“Instead of addressing on rice problems and 6.4% high economic inflation, the president keeps persecuting his critics like detained Senator Leila De Lima on drug charges and the quo warranto against ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno” Medina said.

“Democracy is getting weaker to our country because of human rights, worst economy, political dynasties and government appointees who owed debt of gratitude to the president. The president should focus and solve those serious problems facing the country. Do not lose our values to the long-lasting effect of Duterte administration. Trillanes keeps telling us to ‘be the right side of history and do the right thing’,” Medina added.

Meanwhile, Arturo Garcia, local coordinator of Justice for Filipino American Veterans Coordinator stated, “There is no parallel in Philippine history that a current president is voiding amnesty by another president. It is up to the Supreme Court to decide if they will do the case as a quo warranto again.” Duterte, he said, is attacking both legislative and executive branches with his amnesty revocation. “We call Filipinos to defend the democracy and let not tyrants rule again.”

Aside from the prayer rally held in front of Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, Samahang Magdalo and FAHRA also held a picket in San Francisco and a holy mass at St. Andrew’s Church in Chicago.