MANILA, Philippines ? The camp of detained Senator Antonio ?Sonny? Trillanes was elated over President Benigno Aquino III's decision to grant amnesty to him and other rebel soldiers in the uprisings of 2003 and 2006.

?Masaya kami [We are happy]. We'd like to thank the President for his move,? Trillanes' spokesman, Rolando Averilla, said over the phone on Tuesday.

?Malaking bagay ito sa pagpi-perform niya sa kanyang trabaho [This is a big boost to his performance in his work]. Although we are now filing bills even while he's in jail, it's still different if he's physically present here in the Senate,' he said.

Averilla said they were not surprised by the President's move even if Trillanes went for Aquino's rival, Senator Manny Villar, during the last May elections.

?Kahit noon pang kampanya, yan na ang position ng Pangulo [This has been the position of the President even when he was campaigning]. He is consistent,? he pointed out.

Averilla said he has not yet talked to Trillanes but was planning to personally convey to him the President's decision this Tuesday noon.