Makati court allows media access to Trillanes

The Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) granted yesterday the motion for reconsideration filed by Magdalo leader. Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes for full media access to enable him to present his platform for the senatorial elections.

In a three-page order, Makati RTC Branch 148 Judge Oscar Pimentel, however, required mediamen who want to interview Trillanes in his detention cell at the Marine Brigade headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig to submit their proposed questions and the issues they intend to tackle during the interview.

Pimentel said that although the Philippine Marine Brigade did not file its comment or any opposition to Trillanes’ motion for media access, such inaction was not treated as an act of approval.

"In this motion for reconsideration, it appears that the custodian is again notified and the same was set for hearing but no one from the Philippine Marine Brigade or any of its representatives appeared. Hence, while it is not yet treated as an act of approval, it is however treated as its act of yielding to the orders of the Court," Pimentel said.

To make sure that Trillanes will not be able to give unnecessary statements, Pimentel said the mediamen are required to submit their proposed questions and the issues they will tackle with Trillanes.

Trillanes led the so-called Magdalo soldiers in staging the Oakwood mutiny on July 27, 2003 in Makati.

Pimentel junked the original motion of Trillanes for full media access citing that the interview cannot be granted because of the "safety measures implemented by the custodians (Marine Brigade) and the subjudice statements."

Pimentel said these two grounds were given considerable weight because such grounds will affect the internal policies of the custodians and national interest.

He said the Trillanes’ motion for full media access is also deemed supported by several correspondences from mediamen, such as the letter of the Associated Broadcasting Company last Jan. 23 and the letter of the Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag led by Benny Antiporda dated Feb. 28, seeking access to Trillanes to get his political views and opinions.

In a telephone interview, state prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera said the prosecution panel will respect the ruling of the Court.

"But we will be on alert on what he (Trillanes) will give to the media. I think it covers all the precautions," he said.