Palace hopes Trillanes gives ‘unbiased info’ on US trip

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella (PCOO photo)

Malacañang is hoping that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on his trip to the United States (US) will be truthful to the US officials on Thursday.

“We do hope the correct information is given and not biased information designed to adversely affect Philippine-US relations,” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing.

Trillanes, known as a staunch critic of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte left the country on a trip to the US. While no details were given, the Palace claimed to know the trip.

“Per Senator [Marco] Rubio’s press office, the two senators talked about issues concerning Philippine-US alliance, combating corruption, protecting human rights, and the government’s campaign,” Abella said.

On his Twitter account, Rubio confirmed the meeting as well, “Senator @TrillanesSonny & I discussed U.S.-#Philippines alliance, combating corruption & protecting #humanrights amid their narcotic crisis.”

Abella, however, clarified that the Palace is not privy to the report that Trillanes’ purpose for going to the US is to allegedly ask some sectors to convince President Donald Trump to cancel his visit to the Philippines.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, like the Palace, said that he was informed of the trip but not of its details.

Pimentel chose to not comment on what could Trillanes’ motive be and asked the media to direct the questions to the latter.

“I hope no one else is wishing, or worse, working for ‘bad’ relations between PH and other countries like the US and EU (European Union) members. If we love our country, we should always promote our beloved country’s best interest. Always,” he said.

Rubio and Senator Benjamin Cardin filed a bipartisan bill before which seeks to restrict arms sale to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in relation to Duterte’s bloody war against illegal drugs. The PNP used to lead the said campaign until Duterte appointed PDEA as the ‘sole agency’ to do the job.