Aquino grants amnesty to rebel senator, troops

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE 2) President Benigno Aquino III announced Tuesday that he signed a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel soldiers and officers linked to military uprisings in 2003 and 2006.

The President said he submitted the proclamation, which he signed on Monday, to Congress for its concurrence.

"The proclamation needs the concurrence [of] both chambers of Congress," Mr. Aquino told reporters after attending a function of the Department of Trade and Industry in Mandaluyong City.

He confirmed that detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was covered by the amnesty proclamation.

The grant of amnesty, under Proclamation 50, covers all active and former personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as their supporters who took part in the July 27, 2003 Oakwood mutiny, the February 2006 Marine standoff and the Nov. 29, 2007 Manila Peninusla siege and related incidents.

“Provided that amnesty shall not cover crimes against chastity and other crimes committed for personal ends,” it said.

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My Comment?

Military Adventurism? What crap is this? This is PNoy's 2nd biggest mistake. They did something wrong, they must be punished. Most of them isn't even apologetic for the economic turmoil and bad press they gave the country.

Hay PNoy. There are so many innocent people in the prison if you wanted to give amnesty to anyone. Why free these men who used arm and power to try to overtake the government. What are you showing the world? What are you trying to tell the Philippines?

This is just like the Bus hostage taking (of HK tourists). The hostage taker, used arm and force to try to get back his job as police. He probably was not guilty but still he used the wrong way of trying to get the world's attention. Well, Mendoza died. But the soldiers are all forgiven and freed.

Good job PNoy! Keep making us the laughing stock of the world!