Rodrigo Duterte, Philippines President, ordered the arrest of one of his outspoken critic on the case of failed mutiny that occurred in 2003 against Gloria Aroyyo. Observes perceive his movement to have a political agenda intended to the opponents.
According to Duterte, the Senator has repeatedly accused him of concealing assets and inculpating him over the alleged murders of thousands of criminals and drug dealers.
Duterte justified his action by signing a proclamation dated 31st of August to void the amnesty to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003 and Manila Peninsula Siege 2007 attempts against the administration of former leader Gloria Aroyyo. Whereas, actually the former President Benigno Aquino has granted an amnesty to Trillanes IV through Proclamation no. 75 in 2010.
In response to Duterte’s move, Trillanes perceived the action as draconian, unlawful, and marked it as “a stupid executive order”, yet he would not resist arrest. If detained, a retired naval officer Trillanes IV will be the second member of the Senate to be arrested under the administration of Duterte after the detainment of another vocal critic Leila De Lima over the indictment of arranging a drug-trafficking plot in 2010 – 2015 during her duty as justice secretary under the leadership of Benigno Aquino.
It is true that Duterte promised to abolish drugs in the Philippines if chosen as President. From the day he was finally inaugurated, June 30, 2016, until early 2017, there have been at least 7,080 people killed with more than 50% of them were murdered by mysterious suspects.