Trillanes urges public to watch Merci impeachment closely

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines— Senator Antonio Trillanes IV called on the public to "be involved" and to "make their voices heard" in the impeachment case against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

"They should express their opinions, write their senators, issue comments in the media so that we can see clearly the writing on the wall whether she deserves to be convicted or not," Trillanes said during the convention of the Samahang Magdalo in Sipalay City last Sunday.

The Samahang Magdalo in Negros Occidental is being headed by former Marine captain Gary Alejano.

"As for my stand (on the impeachment), I believe my position is well known to practically everybody. (But) I will withhold the initial pronouncement until the end of the (Senate) trial," Trillanes said.

He said it is crucial that he will not issue any statement that would hint his initial stand, especially that he and his fellow senators will serve as judges in the proceedings. He said the basis for his decision will eventually rest on the pulse of the people.

He, nevertheless, said that if Gutierrez cannot fight corruption, she should be ousted.

"As a political trial, public opinion is at the center of this," he said.

"Being a bureaucracy mired in corruption, what we need right now is an Ombudsman who is pro-active and progressive, in line with the anti-corruption crusade of the president," he said. – (FREEMAN)