Senator Trillanes to Senator Enrile: Hasta la vista, baby!

The Bourne Legacy director Tony Gilroy reportedly said that he decided to shoot his movie in Manila because it felt so “Bourne”-ish. In his own words he said that the city is “just so colorful and ugly and gritty and raw and stinky and crowded.” The director was spot-on in describing what his naked eyes saw while he was here. What he didn’t see would have made him shake his head in disbelief. Judging from the latest controversy involving our public servants, what goes on behind closed doors inside of our government buildings would make any Hollywood plot pale in comparison.

Apparently, the current government has more secrets than any man or woman in the country can handle in their lifetime. Unfortunately, the storyline that is unfolding before our eyes could not even be considered “Bourne-ish” because the script for the real time suspense/thriller seems to have been written by a third-rate scriptwriter, directed by a fourth-rate director and with the roles performed by fifth-rate actors. Indeed, if the scriptwriter for this latest noontime show had any foresight at all, he would have predicted what the actors were going to do next and how the story would end. Unfortunately, none of the participants can expect anyone to play their part well in this part of the globe.

Among our public officials, one can’t be too sure who is directing and who is just following instructions. In the Senate, it would seem that it was Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who acted as the “Godfather”. During the impeachment trial of former Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona, many thought that he appeared to have steered the majority of the senator-judges onto the path of voting for “conviction”. This was evident in his line of questioning during the trial and his reported “dinner” with some of the junior senators held at Senator Loren Legarda’s house the day before they handed out their ruling against Corona.

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Suffice to say, in general, most of the members of Congress deferred to the elderly Senator in more ways than one. However, that privilege seems to be coming to an end for Enrile. Yes, a first time senator, some would even say, a rookie is taking on the elder statesman and has reportedly admitted to trying to topple the seasoned politician from his throne:

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV confirmed on Thursday that he was behind the ouster move against Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile.

“Yes and I haven’t stopped working and hoping for it,” Trillanes told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

“He has lost his moral authority to lead the Senate when he continued to collaborate with GMA,” he said, referring to former President and now Pampanga Representative Glora Macapagal-Arroyo.

I can imagine that Trillanes’s admission above must have been disappointing for Enrile, to say the least. When he branded Trillanes a “coward”, “fraud” and a “fifth columnist”, it must have been in reference to the fact that the convicted mutineer was being ungrateful for what Enrile did for him while he was in prison. Yes, Enrile was visibly upset for being sidelined by Trillanes. He was surprised by Trillanes’s assumed role as a secret envoy for China but what could be annoying him more was Trillanes’s lack of “utang na loob” (“debt of gratitude”). It turns out it was Enrile who “went out of his way” to talk to people to convince them to free Trillanes from incarceration so he can join them in their sessions in the senate. I’ve always wondered who orchestrated Trillanes’s release from prison. It could not have been President BS Aquino’s idea. Obviously, the latter would not have been able to come up with such a scheme on his own.

Having played a key role in the first People Power revolution that toppled his former boss and mentor, former President Ferdinand Marcos, Enrile must have felt sorry for Trillanes for being locked up because Enrile himself escaped jail after mounting a coup d’etat more than once and is even hailed as a “hero” by some circles in Philippine society. But now Enrile must be kicking himself for unleashing what seems like the makings of a monster. If only he had the foresight to realize that Trillanes’s behavior in the past — his seemingly arrogant and unrelenting ways — were all signs indicating what an eager-beaver he really is. Trillanes’s rebellious ways almost a decade ago was a good indication that he couldn’t wait to be the one calling the shots one day.

As if acting like a know-it-all actor, Trillanes appears to have taken the script written for him by Enrile and dumped it in the waste bin. And Trillanes has likely written his own script and taken it straight to the film producers in Malacañang for approval. All he needed was the go-signal from the top and off he goes — to hell with the rest of the cast and crew.

It’s not really clear who asked who but both Trillanes and Malacañang spokespersons were giving conflicting statements regarding Trillanes’s new role. On one hand, a news report says that it wasn’t President BS Aquino’s idea but was Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa’s to use the former rebel soldier as peace negotiator for China. The report claimed that Ochoa asked Trillanes to use the back door to China “in one of their conversations sometime in May this year” as opposed to Ambassador Sonia Brady’s report saying that Trillanes was the one who volunteered to become the “direct channel” between China and Malacañang.

Trillanes cannot even stop himself from boasting about what he has achieved so far. He claims to have averted a war and “boasted that he was able to make 40 Chinese ships leave Panatag Shoal”. That is quite a remarkable feat for someone who does not even want to reveal the details of his negotiations with China.

Meanwhile, it seems it is not enough for Trillanes to brag about his so-called “achievements” in the Philippine-China dispute. He just has to go on and act defensive after he got found out for acting like a special agent. He accused the Americans of getting involved in the conflict and accused Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario of committing treason. He claims that del Rosario is just looking out for the interests of his long-time friend, businessman Manny Pangilinan who also has a stake in the disputed waters around Scarborough shoal. The details of his involvement are still sketchy and pure speculation at this point, of course.

The bottom-line is, Trillanes seems to be doing a bad job at trying to undermine everyone else in order to look good. Maybe the making and shooting of the latest installation of the Bourne series in Manila has inspired Trillanes to be some kind of rogue agent like Jason Bourne. He seriously needs some acting lessons though.

124 Replies to “Senator Trillanes to Senator Enrile: Hasta la vista, baby!”

  1. This government is filled with arrogant, idiotic, non-qualified amd mediocre politicians. They ain’t got the right logic to do the job.
    As the old cliche goes, kung ang kontinente nga naaagaw, asawa pa kaya. In this case, the country has been sold.

    1. This government is filled with arrogant, idiotic, non-qualified amd mediocre politicians. They ain’t got the right logic to do the job.

      The people of the Philippines voted for them too. Pick your choice on who to blame.

      1. Good Grief!! Is any dumb Pinoy still wondering why we were not able to gain independence until “someone” gave it to us?!! With this kind of leaders? Reading PH history gives me a sickening sense of deva ju!

  2. This “senator” has betrayed this country for the last time. Why do people even think of voting for a known traitor? I hope somebody finally decides to file a case against this honorless b*stard so he can rot in jail.
    By the way, is that libel?

    1. A lot of Filipinos have this mentality that the “underdog” is the good guy, e.g., the guy who was sent to jail would eventually triumph as a good guy in the end.

      Ugh.

      Yeah, I can’t understand that line of thinking, either.

        1. I wouldn’t call him a “traitor” so much as he’s more of a dumbass douchebag who probably thinks his “rebel” persona would win over potential voters.

          His “secret agent” act is only as good as how he’s hidden. Now that the jig’s up, there’s no reason for anyone to actually take him seriously as a senator anymore.

    2. I don’t really see the point of insisting that immigration not stamp his passport. He didn’t want evidence of his movements, obviously. It’s weird that immigration officials did not hit the alarm button during his initial trip. They should have realised that something was odd. I guess they are not paid to think well. Tsk tsk.

  3. People who actually “rock the boat” are not always on the wrong side. Trillanes has a point – Why do we honor somebody like Senator Enrile when he can “dance” with just anybody in politics? What kind of confidence level can anybody derive when a person seems to be the color of the a friend and an enemy? On the other hand, Trillanes remains consistent. In this article, he has been his rebellious self until now. Why? Maybe he wants change – which he fought for from the time he was still Captain. If anybody in this country will say that Philippine Politics don’t need a helluva lot of changes – then he probably is the same rotten past we still live with.

    1. Trillanes has been a senator for how many years now, what has he done to effect the changes he wanted? Death of an enemy and ouster of another? How about legislative output?

      1. It isn’t easy for a an archer to tame a galley full of lions. I know of a very honest politician (Yes, I thought there isn’t one) who was once a Congressman and now a Commissioner of a controversial bureau. He said that in Congress, it it so difficult to get people to listen to you unless they can benefit directly from what you want to say.

        Look at PNoy. He was a former Congressman and Senator. It is only now that he gets his way (almost always) because he is the head of state. But we can say “What on earth have you done that truly helped the country when you were Senator?”.

        It isn’t as easy as it sound.

    2. @Noel Carpio

      Maybe he wants change – which he fought for from the time he was still Captain.

      Well, somebody ought to tell Trillanes that he can’t achieve “change” by force. He does not have a monopoly on “great” ideas.

      1. Noel, old bean, Trillanes is showing arrogance as if he’s the only one who’s right. Unfortunately, he isn’t. It would seem from Sonia Brady’s report, he’s making it all worse.

    3. “Me? I’m dishonest. And a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest. Honestly, it’s the honest ones you want to watch out for, because you can never predict when they’re going to do something incredibly… stupid.” – Jack Sparrow

      Assuming Pnoy and Trillanes are the honest ones, I wonder what deal they made with the chinese to get them off our shores? Could they have successfully convinced them to simply get out or have they made a big blunder of a promise that the president does not want anyone else to know?

      1. Whatever naive dreams Trillanes had for the country, I think they’re spoiled now since he was now eaten up by the system. Perhaps he was angry with the previous administration because he couldn’t take a share of their corruption, but in the current one he can?

  4. and you believe what trillanes said? coming from a navy group that has not proven themselves in at least 1 battle and a very good show off during the oakwood mutiny whose main purpose is to protect his relative thieves in the afp commissary bidding. so this is what his voters got. a modern day “MAKAPILI”

    1. I may disagree with what Trillanes and his group did at Oakwood. Sir, back then we hard had a Navy nor an Air force. But was the EDSA 1 or 2 any different? Trillanes failed and because of his failed coup, he wasn’t able to achieve what he wanted. With that kind of coup, would it turn GMA to be a better person? After that coup, did the GMA Government realize what it meant and change? No, I would say, they got worst.

      There were (and probably still are) many thieves in the AFP. It is only now that we are strengthen it with new hardware. So going back, was Trillanes’ point invalid? If so, why are still rebuilding the AFP today now that China is slowly grabbing our islands?

      1. The Arroyo administration got at least one of those AFP thieves: Garcia. Who did the Aquino admin get? Reyes? No, they got him to kill himself and then they stopped investigating him.

  5. I found this AFP presentation on the magdalo-red communist alliance. Mr. Trillanes was then a leader of the magdalo. To this day, the formal written alliance between the magdalo and the CPP-NPA has not been rescinded.

    Please see the link below…

    pcij.org/blog/wp-docs/afp-presentation.pdf

      1. Was BSA ever aware of the magdalo-CPP/NPA plot to establish a revolutionary government? What is he doing about preventing a similar scenario during his watch? This would consist of infiltration, cooperation and planning to overthrow democratic government.

        Oh yeah I read Benigno’s article on why BSA granted amnesty to the magdalo traitors which included Mr. Trillanes. What was the real reason? Did he trust them enough to behave and not plot against him? BSA should know the very potential threat of a modus vivendi with those whose personal ambitions are above and beyond the Republic of the Philippines.

        1. Well we can actually say that anyone who is against a democratic government is a Rightist or a Leftist. So let us just assume that Trillanes is a Rightist (I will not believe that he is a Leftist). So he would probably want to change this government into a Military Junta.

          Looking at the Oakwood attempt, would that be enough to create one? We had Coups in the past. Not one group has actually allied with the CPP-NPA after. In the Cory days, the CPP was very cooperative. After that, did we change into what we feared most?

          We have to open our minds to the fact that this country has so much to change just to get back on track. Trillanes is one of them -“Loud mouths” as some call him. But how about Miriam? Is she any different besides the fact that she isn’t from the military? What if she became president?

        2. Sorry, you put BSA and Aware in the same sentence and it just opens up the flood gates. Like I said, no clue, no hope,no coordination, no protocol, no process. My views on his capabilities since Sept 2009 are well documented and he is turning out worse than I thought which is really bad for us. Is that libel?

          But we deserve it since I see very people who voted yellow that are now disillusioned.

  6. Trillanes want to be the Hero of the show. Ordering the Chinese for their warships to leave? I don’t believe, he can do that. The Chinese are very good negotiators. What has Trillanes can offer, in return for the Chinese to leave the Philippine territories? Simple, he ceded the Philippine territories, for a few export of bananas. Now, the Chinese must be laughing, because, we have a CLOWN, as a negotiator. Who think himself , as a wise person…Trillanes has not even an experience, education and knowledge in international diplomacy. And, he is appointed by Aquino as a backdoor negotiator. Bypassing the Department of Foreign Affairs; the Senate and the Congress. Who does he think, he is? He owns the Philippines? We, the people have the right to know the truth, what he negotiated.

    1. Nice story line Hyden. Now the only problem is how to sell it.

      Kidding aside, there’s lots of judgmental call on your post without the benefit of validation. Lots of allegation and scenario building without solid foundation. It surely is a colorful opinion.

      I can only go so far than that.

      1. Watch the Trillanes interview , with Karen Davila….it was my basis. Trillanes words and claims…the YellowTard network recent interview…another YellowTard commenting…

    2. At least somebody is actually doing something about the Chinese. Who do we think is best to send to China as Envoy? Someone who is not from the Military (who can be swayed or easily paid-out) or someone who even China knows is a soldier and will die for his country?

      Who do we send? Miriam? Herbert?

      1. @Noel Carpio

        At least somebody is actually doing something about the Chinese.

        Do you have the details of what he actually did in China? Do you have information about China’s stand on the disputed shoal after Trillanes’s trips?

        Why is a member of the legislative branch of government working for the executive? What’s Trillanes’ qualifications? Why do you think he is qualified?

      2. Someone who is not from the Military (who can be swayed or easily paid-out) or someone who even China knows is a soldier and will die for his country?

        PPlease. Even some military personnel were corrupt. Don’t generalize them in a favouring light. True there are very true soldiers out there but not anyone who wears a uniform actually resent that uniform. Ever heard of the movie, A Few Good men. If Triallianes was a true soldier, hurrah. Burt we all known there are still some corrupt lying around and bidding their time.

  7. Funny that all these present conflicts at the senate started with that evil creature Gloria Arroyo. Salot talaga ng bayan. Dapat talaga dyan silya elektrika

    1. @Mrs. Nena San Jose

      “Funny that all these present conflicts at the senate started with that evil creature Gloria Arroyo. Dapat talaga dyan silya elektrika”

      Your vilification/libel shows. I suggest you get out of GRP.

        1. All we get from them are one liners but fortunately for us they only are one trick ponies. We can easily shoot them down with legit arguments

  8. “Yes, Enrile was visibly upset for being sidelined by Trillanes. He was surprised by Trillanes’s assumed role as a secret envoy for China but what could be annoying him more was Trillanes’s lack of “utang na loob.”

    “…it must have been in reference to the fact that the convicted mutineer was being ungrateful for what Enrile did for him while he was in prison.”

    “But now Enrile must be kicking himself for unleashing what seems like the makings of a monster.”

    With how treacherously he undermined and turned against Marcos that caused the latter’s downfall, Enrile should be the last man to feel upset with Trillanes. Nothing is surprising if an “ungrateful” man like Trillanes do an ungrateful act against an ungrateful man to the max like Enrile. Tit for tat. He deserved everything he’s getting right now.

    Enrile just ““went out of his way” to talk to people to convince them to free Trillanes from incarceration so he can join them in their sessions in the senate.” That’s no big deal. That’s part of his function as senate president. That’s not where ‘utang na loob’ emanates. Marcos did more to him that what he’s done for Trillanes. What he did for Trillanes he did on official capacity as member of the Senate. What Marcos did for him was not just official but also personal. Marcos practically created him. Marcos made him, aided and educated him. He was Enrile becasuse of Marcos. They have a solid relationship. They were cronies.They’re tight. They’re faithful with each other. Or so Marcos thought.

    So, if Enrile was hurt by what Trillanes did, it only means he is the super hypocrite in the Senate.

    And nothing on the issue resembles a movie. Everything is clear and everything right. It was only Enrile who tried to stretch the issue to cover up a legitimate grievance against his leadership and the political maneuverings he allegedly has been doing.

    It is not really about Trillanes being ungrateful, it’s about Enrile failing to respond to an issue raised by Trillanes against him: the division of a certain province, which according to Trillanes, is being done by Enrile in cahoots with Gloria Arroyo and her minions.

    The China issue was just an afterthougt being used by Enrile to becloud the real issue. Granting that Trillanes was secretly negotiating with the Chinese, wasn’t Enrile also secretly negotiating with the Villafuertes, the Gloria Arroyos, etc. about dividing Camarines into several districts? That’s an issue Enrile should settle first before taking Trillanes on the China issue.

    I was expecting the anti-Enrile on this blog to come out swinging for Trillanes but it seems the tide has turned once again. They were for Enrile at the start of the impeachment trial and against him afterwards. Now, it seems they are for him again. I hope, they read Enrile correctly this time.

    1. On the other hand, the Camarines issue is also being used by Trillanes by tying it to Enrile to justify his pathetic senate coup. He even involved Arroyo again. Are the involvement of these two officials on Camarines confirmed?

      Trillanes has been consistent in his traitorous actions. As you have made clear your fence-sitting regarding his military performance, as well as your lack of information on this newest development, it makes me wonder why you attack Enrile yet let Trillanes off the hook. You do not want us to dwell on Trillanes’ background, yet in here you considered Enrile’s background.

      Remember, the link to Enrile on Camarines is not verified. And even if it’s there the issue on Camarines is still subject to final decision by the Legislature. And even there, being an internal matter, the people can still do something about it.

      Meanwhile, the backdoor negotiations have been confirmed to have happened. Nobody is denying it. What is being debated are the details and implications that might put one party or another in a bad light. But what has been done has been done and the Filipino people can do nothing about it, especially the Chinese side of things.

      1. Trillanes has been consistent in his traitorous actions. As you have made clear your fence-sitting regarding his military performance, as well as your lack of information on this newest development, it makes me wonder why you attack Enrile yet let Trillanes off the hook. You do not want us to dwell on Trillanes’ background, yet in here you considered Enrile’s background. – Apo Kalips

        I don’t know where you’re going. You want to talk about Trillanes military background and you want me to join you. I cannot do that, my friend. I cannot talk about old news. I cannot dwell on irrelevant matters. I can only talk of the recent clash between Enrile and Trillanes and surmise what could be the roots of it all.

        You go ahead, bring back Trillanes military background but make sure you can tie it up to the present. If you cannot do that, you’ll just be wasting time which is what I suspect is going to happen.

        If you want to contradict me, go ahead, point out where I was wrong and tell why I was wrong.

        Right now, very clearly you are wrong and I know I’m right on what I am talking about. Want me to prove that to you? Just read the title of this article again.

        1. You’re contradicting yourself quite well. You “cannot talk about old news” yet when you “surmise what could be the roots of it all” you go on and talk about Enrile’s past military performance from way back in Marcos’ time:

          With how treacherously he undermined and turned against Marcos that caused the latter’s downfall, Enrile should be the last man to feel upset with Trillanes.

          What Marcos did for him was not just official but also personal. Marcos practically created him. Marcos made him, aided and educated him. He was Enrile becasuse of Marcos. They have a solid relationship. They were cronies.They’re tight. They’re faithful with each other. Or so Marcos thought.

          The thing is, Enrile was involved in a successful military coup, Trillanes was not.

      2. Remember, the link to Enrile on Camarines is not verified. And even if it’s there the issue on Camarines is still subject to final decision by the Legislature. And even there, being an internal matter, the people can still do something about it.
        Meanwhile, the backdoor negotiations have been confirmed to have happened. Nobody is denying it. What is being debated are the details and implications that might put one party or another in a bad light. But what has been done has been done and the Filipino people can do nothing about it, especially the Chinese side of things.

        Nail on the head. The same thing that is going in my head. Since it was Trillaines who got ‘bullied’ first and accuse Erile, I think the buck should stop with him. He was afforded that right but staged a walkout instead.

      3. “…..the Camarines issue is also being used by Trillanes by tying it to Enrile to justify his pathetic senate coup. He even involved Arroyo again. Are the involvement of these two officials on Camarines confirmed? – Apo Kalips

        That’s what I’m talking about! Enrile should have confronted Trillanes about it and challenge him about the truthfulness of his Camarines accusations. Enrile did not do that, instead, he hammered on the issue of China! Hebigat! Here you are being accused by somebody of being a lackey of the former president and politically maneuvering the partition of a province and all you can come up with is about China? No wonder, Trillanes came out smoking and smelling good in their confrontation.

        “…..it makes me wonder why you attack Enrile yet let Trillanes off the hook.”

        There’s no wonder about it and I did not attack Enrile and let Trillanes off the hook as you alleged. That’s your suspicion and let me supply the facts to you.

        I’m taking Enrile to task that he should have confronted Trillanes on the issue of his Camarines allegation and lackey accusation. Being the senior member and the president of the Senate at that, boy, that’s a serious accusation! If I’m on Enrile’s place, I wouldn’t allow Trillanes off the hook just like that on those issues and I’ll meet him head-on about it. That is, iF I’m innocent. His evasive reaction made Trillanes look credible and right on target. If it were boxing, Trillanes got the first round because of Enrile’s non-fighting stance.

        You do not want us to dwell on Trillanes’ background, yet in here you considered Enrile’s background.

        I’m not preventing you to do it, go ahead, dwell on it and let’s see where you will end up. Enrile’s “background” (actually, it’s about character history”) was only brought up because of the allegation of “utang na loob” which was really out of the question.

        Remember, the link to Enrile on Camarines is not verified.

        You are correct and I agree with you! That is why I cannot understand why Enrile brought up the subject of China instead of hammering Trillanes and challenging him on the veracity of his accusation.! Or maybe it was verified that is why he changed the issue. What you think?

        And even if it’s there the issue on Camarines is still subject to final decision by the Legislature. And even there, being an internal matter, the people can still do something about it.

        Before you go to ‘final decision’ you have to address the issues related to it and Trillanes is just doing that. You raise all your reservation or support on a proposed legislation before final decision. The people can still do something about what? The people’s representatives, the senators, are already doing what they’re supposed to do. If Trillanes have issues against Enrile on the Camarines partition they should address and settle it and not insert China on the discussion.

        1. I’m not preventing you to do it, go ahead, dwell on it and let’s see where you will end up. Enrile’s “background” (actually, it’s about character history”) was only brought up because of the allegation of “utang na loob” which was really out of the question.

          You say the utang na loob thing is out of the question, yet you go on and dwell on it.

          I cannot talk about old news. I cannot dwell on irrelevant matters.

          Your inconsistency and double standard are still showing. That I have exposed, and in fact you now have no choice but to acknowledge that I can also bring up Trillanes’ background: military and character. Well, others here have been doing that in the first place until you barge in with your plea not to do so. I have merely refuted your plea. As I have no disagreement on their assertions about Trillanes’ background (which can be summed up in three words: incompetence, betrayal and hypocrisy), you may as well go and look their comments up and debate with them if you want to.

          And where do their assertions and yours end up? I’ve already said that also (now with notes for your questions):

          Remember, the link to Enrile on Camarines is not verified. And even if it’s there the issue on Camarines is still subject to final decision by the Legislature. And even there, being an internal matter, the people can still do something about it. [Meaning, if things turn out unfavorably for the people, they have duly constituted means to revert the changes. One is to elect new representatives to change the legislation. Another is direct plebiscite.]

          Meanwhile, the backdoor negotiations have been confirmed to have happened. Nobody is denying it. What is being debated are the details and implications that might put one party or another in a bad light. But what has been done has been done and the Filipino people can do nothing about it, especially the Chinese side of things.

        2. If Trillanes have issues against Enrile on the Camarines partition they should address and settle it and not insert China on the discussion.

          It’s funny that you appear to prefer talking about the Camarines issue, and you wish that Enrile did not reveal the China issue. But now it’s out in the open, you would rather question the timing and circumstances involved in its revelation.

          It could very well be that Enrile did the reveal to save him from being ousted as Senate President. But it should also be pointed out that Trillanes did his own reveal as his means to oust Enrile. The Camarines issue may indeed be forgotten if Trillanes fulfilled what he was supposed to do. That’s why it’s funny: you may turn out to be more eager than the main instigator.

          Thing is, granting that this is a case of mud flinging to save one’s ass, one Senator’s mud pile stuck on his opponent while the other one’s mud pile didn’t. And that is something you have to deal with.

        3. “…you now have no choice but to acknowledge that I can also bring up Trillanes’ background: military and character.” – Apo Kalips

          Please, please hurry bring it up and be done with it. You keep on saying it but you’re acting on it.

          After you enjoy bringing up Trillanes background go back to the issue at hand and let’s talk about it.

        4. Correction:

          Please, please hurry bring it up and be done with it. You keep on saying it but you’re NOT acting on it.

        5. It’s funny that you appear to prefer talking about the Camarines issue, and you wish that Enrile did not reveal the China issue. – Apo Kalips

          I “wish that Enrile did not reveal the China issue”? Wow, hebigat! Where did you get that? Can you show me even a line to prove what you are saying? When you start inventing stories by “quoting” me, it’s an indication that you’re losing ground. Please, don’t resort to that. What I said was clear, stay on topic.

          It could very well be that Enrile did the reveal to save him from being ousted as Senate President.

          Is that an admission that Enrile, for fear of losing the Senate presidency, resorted to dirty tactics just to save his seat? Ummm.

          Thing is, granting that this is a case of mud flinging to save one’s ass, one Senator’s mud pile stuck on his opponent while the other one’s mud pile didn’t. And that is something you have to deal with.

          So, does that mean you either don’t know where you stand on the issue or you realize that Enrile was standing on shaky ground? Either way, yes, I can deal with that.

        6. Please, please hurry bring it up and be done with it. You keep on saying it but you’re NOT acting on it.

          You are asking things I already answered:

          Well, others here have been doing that in the first place until you barge in with your plea not to do so. I have merely refuted your plea. As I have no disagreement on their assertions about Trillanes’ background (which can be summed up in three words: incompetence, betrayal and hypocrisy), you may as well go and look their comments up and debate with them if you want to.

          Actually I should have known that your next step would be to declare it irrelevant, as you have done in Benign0’s article earlier (where you have not refuted Benign0’s counter-argument).

          I “wish that Enrile did not reveal the China issue”? Wow, hebigat! Where did you get that? Can you show me even a line to prove what you are saying? When you start inventing stories by “quoting” me, it’s an indication that you’re losing ground. Please, don’t resort to that. What I said was clear, stay on topic.

          What I said was: “It’s funny that you appear to prefer talking about the Camarines issue, and you wish that Enrile did not reveal the China issue. But now it’s out in the open, you would rather question the timing and circumstances involved in its revelation.” I have now highlighted the key word “appear”, meaning, it is my personal impression of you based on the assertions you put forward, like this next quote from you:

          Is that an admission that Enrile, for fear of losing the Senate presidency, resorted to dirty tactics just to save his seat?

          The admission is for Enrile to do. I am merely speculating that Enrile did his revelation to save his seat. Additionally, I am speculating that Trillanes did his revelation to unseat Enrile. (How fascinating is your omission of that latter statement from me while dwelling on the former statement which is the one detrimental to Enrile.)

          So, does that mean you either don’t know where you stand on the issue or you realize that Enrile was standing on shaky ground? Either way, yes, I can deal with that.

          Neither. Let me restate again where I stand, and this is what you have to deal with:

          Remember, the link to Enrile on Camarines is not verified. And even if it’s there the issue on Camarines is still subject to final decision by the Legislature. And even there, being an internal matter, the people can still do something about it. [Meaning, if things turn out unfavorably for the people, they have duly constituted means to revert the changes. One is to elect new representatives to change the legislation. Another is direct plebiscite.]

          Meanwhile, the backdoor negotiations have been confirmed to have happened. Nobody is denying it. What is being debated are the details and implications that might put one party or another in a bad light. But what has been done has been done and the Filipino people can do nothing about it, especially the Chinese side of things.

        7. As I have no disagreement on their assertions about Trillanes’ background (which can be summed up in three words: incompetence, betrayal and hypocrisy

          See the disconnection and irrelevancy there? In spite of, according to you, incompetence, betrayal and hypocrisy, Trillanes was able to make P-Noy agree to make him a negotiator with China and made it, based on reports, with flying colors.

          So you see, you only bring up Trillanes ‘dismal’ background had he make palplak as negotiator.

          What I said was: “It’s funny that you appear to prefer talking about the Camarines issue, and you wish that Enrile did not reveal the China issue. – Apo Kalips

          True, that was you said, that I appear to prefer talking about the Camarines issue. However, separated by a comma, you also said this, “and you wish that Enrile did not reveal the China issue.” See, apart from saying I ‘appear’ to talk about China, you added my ‘wish’ about Enrile.

        8. My inner grammar nazi agrees with your observations. Apologies, then if my original wording has brought you confusion.

          Trillanes was able to make P-Noy agree to make him a negotiator with China and made it, based on reports, with flying colors

          Now this part is where I would demand details and sources.

        9. Attention Jona-s

          We are detecting too much bullsh*t in your convoluted comments. It should go straight to the spam folder.

          Try to cut the crap.

        10. My inner grammar nazi agrees with your observations. Apologies, then if my original wording has brought you confusion.

          The reason why I was able to point the discrepancy with you was because of the absence of confusion. Anyway, I appreciate the acknowledgment on your part.

        11. Sure.

          By the way, your assertion that Trillanes did good with his secret backdoor negotiations in China is yet to be substantiated.

          In fact, laying out this assertion and providing the proof should have been the first thing that you do, and it might have spared us the long convoluted argument above and in other places in this blog. Everything that you had argued and opined hinges on this one assertion and yet you have not proven it.

          Maybe they are right that you’re a troll. Or worse, you really don’t know how to argue your case.

        12. By the way, your assertion that Trillanes did good with his secret backdoor negotiations in China is yet to be substantiated.

          In fact, laying out this assertion and providing the proof should have been the first thing that you do, and it might have spared us the long convoluted argument above and in other places in this blog. Everything that you had argued and opined hinges on this one assertion and yet you have not proven it. – Apo Kalips

          It was not an assertion, it was based on reports and interviews on P-Ninoy himself. I saw a TV interviews of P-Ninoy insinuating that Trillanes effort produce good results. Here, read an example of similar interview.

          http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-unofficial-talks-china-helped-ease-tensions-060006435.html

          Maybe they are right that you’re a troll. Or worse, you really don’t know how to argue your case.

          You know pal, it is sad that you have to say those things against me. I thought you made a nice gesture in the apology you made which I acknowledged thinking that we are civil to each other by not acting immature while discussing an issue. I was wrong.

          There are a number of troll posters on this blog but I never take it on the discussion and throw it around while talking about topics. It’s improper and it is not relevant. I don’t use troll-calling as a cover. I don’t hide behind troll-calling for protection. Those people whom you knew and who have tangled with me knows that. Those who call me troll NEVER, read that again, NEVER supported it by showing proof. They just use it for cover, for protection and to change the issue. I know when a person becomes “pikon”, everything is game and I’ve seen a number of those people here. People who love to dish but too soft to take it. People who call other people troll and write a troll himself/herself.

          Sayang, pikon ka rin pala.

        13. So, the only proof you have comes from those whose best interest is to show that what they did resulted to something good. To be specific it’s Aquino saying that Trillanes eased tensions, because the number of Chinese ships was reduced.

          You see, “easing tensions” is too subjective. It could very well be due to appeasement or surrender on our part (since we removed all our ships, while some of theirs remained).

          So again, how can we be sure that Trillanes did good for the Philippines with his backdoor negotiations?

    2. @Jonas or Jona-s (depending on who’s operating your handle)

      Enrile just ““went out of his way” to talk to people to convince them to free Trillanes from incarceration so he can join them in their sessions in the senate.” That’s no big deal. That’s part of his function as senate president.

      When did campaigning for the release of a convicted mutineer become part of a senator’s role? Please tell us.

      Everything is clear and everything right. It was only Enrile who tried to stretch the issue to cover up a legitimate grievance against his leadership and the political maneuverings he allegedly has been doing.

      So you think everything is clear and right? What duh…?!? LOL

      Does Trillanes have proof of his claims? Kinda hard to prove it when it actually involves other people who get easily influenced to do something for someone. Each and everyone of the senators have a responsibility to the people. They are accountable for their own actions.

      The China issue was just an afterthougt being used by Enrile to becloud the real issue. Granting that Trillanes was secretly negotiating with the Chinese, wasn’t Enrile also secretly negotiating with the Villafuertes, the Gloria Arroyos, etc. about dividing Camarines into several districts? That’s an issue Enrile should settle first before taking Trillanes on the China issue.

      How does Trillanes know that Arroyo phoned Enrile about Camarines Sur? She was holed up in hospital under arrest for months. When did this “secret negotiations” supposedly happen? Please tell us if you know more.

      I was expecting the anti-Enrile on this blog to come out swinging for Trillanes but it seems the tide has turned once again.

      First, you expect too much. Second, what makes you think we are anti-Enrile or Anti-Trillanes? Please be specific.

      They were for Enrile at the start of the impeachment trial and against him afterwards. Now, it seems they are for him again. I hope, they read Enrile correctly this time.

      The question is, when are YOU going to read us correctly? You seem confused about where you think we stand on anything and anybody. That says a lot about your comprehension skills.

      Good luck. Don’t push it though because bening0 doesn’t get any joy out of you anymore.

      1. “Good luck. Don’t push it though because bening0 doesn’t get any joy out of you anymore.”

        Respect on other’s opinion if it doesn’t jive with yours is missing here. I read healthy conversation from both sides, except on that last line.

        1. Did you feel the same way that Noynoy’s FB election page had anything remotely none yellow removed. The other candidates allowed criticism. Many critics here are given many many chances. Benign0 always refers them to TOS .

        2. Gogs, here’s the reply to your comment.

          I am not a witness to Noynoy’s FB election page, I can’t comment. My comment is from what I read above. That’s all.

          Why refer something irrelevant from my comment?

        3. It’s relevant because if you have spent time here this site has been tolerant of many viewpoints. Regardless of numerous complaints. Dialogue though is different from anarchy. That is what TOS is for. I suspect that you haven’t seen real irrelevance in a thread until you see the people who do actually get deleted.

          Another reason for me bringing up is that’s the issue now how tolerant of expression the libel portion of the new Cyberact is.

        4. Seriously, relevant? I am trying to understand that you had heaps of counter-attacks on your views expressed on this blog, hence referring your comment to those events; but I don’t see the relevance of it on my comment.

          I wasn’t taking side on this thread of the opinion. I found the conversation from both sides equally intellectual, different views on the issue were articulated. That’s what freedom of expression is for. Why shut down the expressed opinion with that last line? It’s short of saying, “Shut up or you’ll be deleted!”

          If the writer was ready to head-butt with opposing opinion/s on his/her written article, do so in the same manner of civility of the commenter. I don’t read Jona-s opinions here stepping beyond the line of civility.

          This is a public blog, open to comments from its readers sans personal attacks that would be violating TOS. Do you see violation of TOS from the thread of this comment from Jona-s? Tell me, I may have missed it.

        5. Let me get this straight. You don’t like that one line that implies compliance to TOS and the norms of this blog but yet you seem unwilling to believe that a personality here may have pushed the envelope too many times? I won’t look for it but the webmaster gave an accurate analogy of the ex-con. All I can say is read previous threads .

        6. “2.2.4. Questions on and challenges to main ideas (strongly encouraged) – These are based on counter-assertions or counter-arguments that approach the main idea from, say, a completely different angle, different perspective or, a different outcome in the synthesis of the supporting concepts of said main ideas.”

          Relate your comment on this one please. I am highlighting usage of this site from commenter Jona-s/Jonas and Ilda’s “Good luck. Don’t push it though because bening0 doesn’t get any joy out of you anymore.”, my first comment and your jumping to Noynoy’s FB election page.

          When you assert your opinion on my comment, you cite your assertion. Don’t point your fingers to the webmaster’s accurate analogy or to anyone or anything at that. Stick to the root of OUR conversation here, because I beg to differ. Get real, isn’t it?

        7. All I can say is read the previous threads. You seem to treat Jonas as this neophyte. Now I don’t know whether you are really new here or somebody who is more experienced just trying to bait people but if you are going to accuse the blogsite of not living up to what it says it is, you owe it to your perception to read previous threads involving Jonas, Jonas2 Sanjo Jo-Nas etc.

      2. Now, you are putting words into my mouth (errr, fingers!) that I am accusing the blogsite of not living up to what it say it is. You pointed your fingers to the TOS, not me. I wrote my comment on the basis of principle, you went technical and I took your cudgel. Let the webmaster answer you if I am new here or more experienced to bait other people. Was it the blogsite I am opinionating from? Was it the writer’s main thought on the issue that I am against with? It’s on that last line.

        And yes, I have read other comments of Jona-s/Jonas here, ergo, I had given him salute that he can articulate his differing view from the issue/s and not being swayed away from it despite some name-calling and irrelevant comments. You think I treat him/her a neophyte? What made you? I see his point of view as healthy as the main ideas of the authors here. Now, am I supposed to be castigated for that?

        Clearly, he/she is not a neophyte. I’ll say he’s/she’s a professional, with his own sword of intelligence.
        Bottom line, as a reader of this blog and enjoying the healthy banters from both sides, that subjected last line is immature; more of showing tantrum from exhaustion of keeping up with the argument.

        Stay healthy.

        1. @etonanaman

          Unfortunately, you do not know the context of where my statement was coming from. There was another comment thread somewhere here where Benign0 warned Mr Jonass that his comments are this close (just imagine my index finger and thumb together) to being placed in the spam folder. I was just reminding him of that. Ta-ta!

    3. I was expecting the anti-Enrile on this blog to come out swinging for Trillanes but it seems the tide has turned once again. They were for Enrile at the start of the impeachment trial and against him afterwards. Now, it seems they are for him again. I hope, they read Enrile correctly this time.

      My dear Jonas. Perceptions can change. Like in politics, they change every minute. They all are dependent on the actions of the said man. It’s not being balimbing but there are times when expectations of people were not the same with actions. People can only comment their feelings but not exactly change their loyalty or their values. It’s not a standard of loyalty in question, it’s an avenue to air some disappointed feelings.

      1. I agree perception changes, but politics is not all about perception. Principles, sense of right and wrong, moral duty and love of country, etc. are often the basis of how we react to people and events in politics. You cannot change those every minute.

        1. Your principles, sense of right and wrong seems to be all screwed up, Mr Jonass. You criticise PNoy’s political opponents every chance you get and do not hold your President accountable for all his gaffes. Check your logic.

      1. jeanne

        I deliberately ignored that comment from Jonass because I figured that when someone has to question a writer’s use of a literary device, that someone will never understand the explanation anyway. 😉

        That statement from Jonass says a lot about his inability to understand simple concepts, indeed.

        1. “That statement from Jonass says a lot about his inability to understand simple concepts, indeed.”

          That dud is just a troll. Plain and simple. Why waste time counter-commenting on his comment.

  9. in one corner you have enrile, rosario and his ex-boss manny pangilinan who are all driven by self interest not the countrys, and in the other corner p-noy who trusts none of them, no longer rosario, and trillanes who presumably p-noy thinks he can trust despite his naivete.
    all in all a monumental mess
    its all about the oil money, manny

  10. philippines military strategy
    confuse or amuse the enemy
    better to surrender now and stick to computer games and target shooting than the real world

    1. I don’t know, Domingo,

      Does PNoy think he can fool everybody?

      Now that Trillanes was exposed, isn’t this just a continuation of the “disavowal of Trillanes’ actions” that PNoy’s admin had begun doing?

      Well, at least Trillanes is not alone in being caught in an awkward situation. Not that it’ll matter to the electorate anyway. Is that libel? So sue me. 😛

    2. Weird.

      1) Why would china request for an enemy of an alleged friend (Trillanes being an enemy of GMA)

      2) Is PNoy in a position to reveal such a request?

      3) Is PNoy courting trouble by blaming China in this fiasco?

      1. @johndoenymous

        1) Why would china request for an enemy of an alleged friend? (Trillanes being an enemy of GMA)
        It’s very obvious that PNoy is lying. The chinese aren’t that stupid to trust a known traitor.

        2) Is PNoy in a position to reveal such a request?
        Nope. He is just lying to direct the blame at someone else.
        3) Is PNoy courting trouble by blaming China in this fiasco?
        Definitely YES

    3. Hi Domingo

      Thanks for the info but gees…they have got to get their stories in order. First Trillanes said PNoy appointed him as a secret envoy. Then Lacierda said it was Trillanes who approached PNoy. And then Trillanes clarified that it was Ochoa who asked him for help in a party in May. Now PNoy is saying it was the Chinese who asked if they can just talk to Trillanes instead. Whew!!!

      The question is, how do the Chinese people know Trillanes?

  11. Good article Ilda! Nice to see you are now “coming into your own”… This entire episode has been a great source of comic relief for me and my kids (as are most of the actions of this Student Government). Just when I thought it couldn’t get more ridiculous, a failed Navy officer/failed rebellion leader/failed coup plotter/ex convict being “chosen” to hold talks with China, the Palace hits me baby one more time! Now, P-Nut is claiming that it was the Chinese who “requested” the failed Navy officer/failed rebellion leader/failed coup plotter/ex convict to come over and talk… This country and especially its government is completely out of control and the ONLY light at the end of the tunnel is 4 years away when that retard finally leaves office!

    1. Unfortunately, we really can’t handle 4 more years of incompetence,stupidity in the government. We need true change if we want this country to really succeed.

    2. @Jetlag807

      I doubt this latest fiasco by the yellow president will make a difference to his rabid supporters. It will just go over their heads.

      Thanks for the compliment.

      1. Completely over their heads… This place is going nowhere but down fast and, sadly, not enough people can see it! Its about time for me to pack up my toys and go back home to the good ole’ US of A!

  12. “Maybe the making and shooting of the latest installation of the Bourne series in Manila has inspired Trillanes to be some kind of rogue agent like Jason Bourne.”

    1. Mr. Trillanes has absolutely no diplomatic schooling, no diplomatic experience and certainly no diplomatic credentials.

    2. His familiarity with Diplomatic/International Laws, Chinese protocol, culture and conduct of diplomatic affairs is non-existent.

    3. His dossier is not exceptional to say the least. He is not a trained operator.

    Secret diplomat/agent of the state? LOL!!! His handler must be Johnny English.

    Make mine a fifth of Stolichnaya Vodka chilled. Cheers!

    1. well, johnny english at least TRIES to be competent. Trillianes just doesn’t care how shitty a job he’s doing as long as he gets paid by his bald boss.

    2. @Der

      Most of us here have been saying that all along. Now he is on the verge of destroying our country’s relationship with the most powerful country in Asia.

      1. Trilianes is trying to grab more than he can handle. Pnoy really screwed up in appointing this “senator” in handling this mess.

  13. And obviously, they’re all making a sham of their negotiation efforts. It’s so obvious. If Brady were to speak up, its likely that both Trilly and his “boss” will be in hot water.

  14. More comments on Mr. Trillanes and the dangerous games he likes to play… His handler might kick his butt soon. Trillanes(through his magdalo) was seen as playing games with homegrown reds in recent history. At present, he is now playing games with the red Chinese. Is there a pattern in connecting the dots?

    http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/2012/09/21/trillanes-bad-hair-day/

    http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/2012/09/21/playing-a-dangerous-game/

  15. Here is a copy of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

    I was trying to find out if the conduct of so-called backwater unofficial diplomatic talks contradicts this convention. Feel free to browse the link…

    untreaty.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_1_1961.pdf

  16. If confidential sources are correct, that given the extraordinary events happening in China at this time, that a coup within China’s military high command is going on, I think the choice to send Trillanes, was in fact the most logical thing the administration have done. As a military, Trillanes totally understood his mission.

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