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Senator Antonio Trillanes IV cannot be arrested within the Senate premises but outside chamber “is no longer our concern,” Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said on Tuesday.
“To preserve the dignity of the Senate, we have to not allow any senator to be arrested in the Senate premises,” Sotto explained to reporters.
“Outside the Senate premises, that’s no longer our concern. But within the Senate premises… that’s the decision of the leadership,” he added.
While under Senate custody, Sotto said Trillanes could seek redress in the proper courts.
“It’s his (Trillanes) call at this point,” the Senate leader said.
Asked if Trillanes could stay in the Senate for as long as he wants, Sotto answered yes.
“Although we will probably discuss some limitations later on,” he said.
He refused what could be the possible limitations but said the majority and minority groups will further discuss about in a caucus.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said Trillanes could be arrested anytime since he is facing a non-bailable offense.
“The proclamation directed all enforcement agencies to apprehend him so he will be placed in custody,” Guevarra said.
The Justice Secretary was referring to President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation, revoking the amnesty granted by then President Benigno Aquino III. /muf
READ: Guevarra: Legislative immunity not applicable to Trillanes
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