Esperon: Democracy is alive, due process followed in Trillanes arrest

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon believes that rule of law is “alive” in the issuance of an arrest warrant against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

“What is very notable here is everything went through the process. Sabi nga ng presidente noon: No warrant, no arrest. So natupad,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

During a Cabinet meeting in Jordan earlier this month, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would “abide by the rule of law” and would wait for the issuance of a warrant of arrest before Trillanes is arrested.

READ: No warrant, no arrest; Trillanes can leave Senate anytime – Palace

“The decision was made by the RTC, by Judge Almeda. So that simply has to be followed,” Esperon said.

The Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 150 has ordered the arrest of Trillanes IV for the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege.

He is facing a case for rebellion before Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda.

READ: Arrest Trillanes – Makati court

“I also heard that Trillanes himself has said he will turn himself in and go with whoever will be the arresting officers,” he added.

READ: Trillanes yields to police

“Well to some they would also say that it’s democracy that is alive, rule of law is alive,” Esperon said responding to Trillanes saying that the order of his arrest is the “death of democracy.”

READ: Trillanes on arrest order: ‘Democracy lost’

“But the judge himself will tell you that democracy is alive and did we see there’s a rule of law that is governing the country,” he added. /ee