Dateline Manila, Philippines, Dec. 6, 2007, MabuhayRadio News Service

Sen. Nene Pimentel and Sen. Ping Lacson visited with Sen. Sonny Trillanes at Camp Crame, his detention place, this morning at 10 o’clock. 

The visit was facilitated by DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno and Undersecretaries Marius Corpuz and Austere Panadero, for which Senator Pimentel publicly thanked them.

The visiting legislators found Senator Trillanes to be in top shape in mind, body and soul. He deplores the rough treatment he met at the hands of the arresting officers in the aftermath of the Manila Peninsula Hotel affair on November 29. But he dismisses it as an inconvenience that comes with the cause he is espousing.

Senator Pimentel assured Mr. Trillanes that he would continue supporting the latter’s quest for justice in accordance with the rule of law. And on this matter, Senators Pimentel and Lacson, among others, are not asking for mercy for him. Not at all. Only that he be accorded the rights the Constitution grants to him and all those who are similarly situated as he is – and that is, among other things – to be considered innocent until proven guilty and treated with dignity as a human being even if he is restrained of his liberties for the moment.

The visiting senators verified from him that his accommodations are not 5-Star Hotel one but are not deplorable either.

Senator Trillanes and his companions, including Fr. Robert Reyes, are allowed visits by family, lawyers and doctors. They complained, however, against being deprived of their cell phones.

Senator Pimentel explained to the local media afterwards that he was not too sure that they have any basis to complain considering that the charges against them is rebellion.

Senator Pimentel is now preparing a report to the Senate about the visit. # # #

Editor’s Notes: The public may contact the Office of Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr., at the Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City, Philippines, or through his website: www.nenepimentel.org or by e-mail at nenepimentel@pldtdsl.net.