Trillanes says Senate stint was a ‘wild ride’

MANILA, Philippines — A “wild ride.”

This was how opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday described his 12 years in the Senate.

Trillanes’ second and last term in the Senate will expire on June 30.

“Let’s just say that it was a wild ride,” he said during the regular Kapihan sa Senado. “Maraming twists and turns. Napakaraming downs, may konting ups.”

“But I believe that I’ve done my best. I tried to make a difference and given the time, the energy, the resources I had, i believe I’ve done my job,” he added.

Trillanes was among the six outgoing senators as the 17th Congress adjourned sine die on Tuesday. The five others are Senators  Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito,  Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Gringo Honasan and Loren Legarda.

All outgoing senators, except Trillanes,  gave their farewell speeches during the last day of session of the Senate Tuesday.

At this point, he said he could not see himself returning to politics though he quickly noted that the circumstances might still change in the future.

“I really plan to teach,” said Trillanes, a known staunch critic of the Duterte administration, “But I will remain a very vocal and active member of the opposition so hindi po ako mawawala.”

The senator reiterated that there is no stopping his crusade against the administration especially now that he believes that President Rodrigo Duterte is “not as politically strong as before.”

“In fact, he’s (Duterte) very much vulnerable kaya nakita nyo, nangha-harass na sya ng mga kalaban…” added Trillanes.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)