Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has once again stirred controversy by alleging another oust plot against Philippine President Marcos. Trillanes pointed fingers at key figures, including Sen. Ronald dela Rosa and members of the Duterte camp, claiming they are orchestrating the scheme to pave the way for a Duterte return to power.
According to Trillanes, this purported plot involves active and retired officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP), as well as Duterte loyalists within the military and government. He asserted that the goal is to remove Marcos from office and install either former President Rodrigo Duterte or his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, in his place.
Trillanes’s claims have sparked strong reactions from various quarters. PNP’s public information officer, Col. Jean Fajardo, denied any knowledge of such a plot, emphasizing the apolitical nature of the organization. Former Duterte spokesperson Harry Roque dismissed Trillanes’s allegations as baseless, attributing them to Trillanes’s past involvement in coup attempts.
Despite the skepticism, Trillanes insists on the seriousness of the situation, suggesting that the plotters aim to expedite the process to coincide with significant political milestones. He highlighted the potential for Sara Duterte to ascend to the presidency, reminiscent of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s path to power following Joseph Estrada’s ouster in 2001.
Trillanes further implicated specific individuals and groups allegedly involved in the scheme, such as the so-called Davao Boys, known for their ties to the Duterte family. He claimed that efforts to recruit both police and military personnel for the plot have been met with resistance, with few willing to participate.
The former senator also linked the oust plot to impending legal challenges faced by the Duterte camp, particularly from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Trillanes suggested that the urgency to regain power stems from looming arrest warrants against Duterte and his allies for human rights violations related to the war on drugs.
However, Trillanes admitted a lack of clarity regarding the exact methods the plotters intend to employ. He speculated on scenarios ranging from impeachment to a coup d’état, each potentially leading to different successors.
Trillanes’s allegations underscore the ongoing political tensions in the Philippines, fueled by longstanding rivalries and unresolved issues from past administrations. While his claims raise concerns, they also invite scrutiny, prompting a deeper examination of the country’s political landscape and the motives behind such alleged schemes. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial to discern fact from speculation and to uphold democratic principles amidst these challenging times.