VP Leni stands with Trillanes amid amnesty revocation
Robredo: ‘Moves to silence critics only amplify opposition’s voice’

Vice President Leni Robredo is standing with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV amid Malacañang’s decision to “revoke” the amnesty that was granted to him.

In an interview Wednesday, VP Leni reiterated that she denounces the move, calling it part of the “persecution” being done against the opposition, and vowed to join those who are fighting such efforts.

“Sinabi namin kay Senator Trillanes na alam namin na hindi ito tama. Nakikiisa kami sa kaniya. Basta sa tama, parati tayong nakikiisa—at gagawin natin iyong lahat para hindi patuloy iyong ganitong uri ng pagpapahirap para lang isilensyo iyong ating mga gustong sabihin,” she told reporters in Zamboanga City, where she and Sen. Bam Aquino visited the Old Public Market to check on the prices of rice and other basic commodities.

The Vice President, chairperson of the Liberal Party, underscored the importance of healthy discourse in a democracy, adding that the opposition is meant to keep leaders and institutions in check.

“Mahalaga sa isang demokrasya na mayroong sumasalungat, lalo na kapag may ginagawang hindi tama o hindi tayo sang-ayon,” she said. “Halimbawa, ngayong mayroong krisis tayo sa bigas, talagang patuloy na magboboses tayo kasi tingin talaga natin, hindi talaga ginawa ng pamahalaan iyong trabaho niya kaya tayo nagkaganito.”

She also said the administration’s move to silence critics will only embolden the opposition.

“Kapag sinusubukan na isilensyo iyong mga kumokontra, hindi po iyon epektibo kasi lalo [naming] papaigtingin iyong aming mga boses, lalo kaming magkakaisa, para siguraduhin lang na iyong boses—hindi lang namin, pero iyong boses ng ordinaryong Pilipino—ay napapaabot,” she said.