Two senators linked to July 27 mutiny

Two senators have been linked to the July 27 mutiny – Sen. Gregorio Honasan and Sen. Luisa "Loi" Ejercito-Estrada. How they responded to the accusations is a very good study in contrast. Sen. Honasan hid from justice and used the term "inaccessible", instead of saying that he was fleeing from justice. The irony is that he is not "inaccessible" to media. He has been appearing being interviewed from his hiding place in several popular TV programs. In direct contrast, Sen. "Loi" Ejercito-Estrada challenged the government to arrest her, but first they have to present the evidence to support its charge. If it could present the necessary evidence, then she should be arrested and confined along with her husband if possible. In short, let us go by facts. It would be good if Sen. Honasan could take a similar stance.

We will not remain silent if any innocent person is arrested without any evidence that he has actually committed a crime. And even if a person is already arrested and charged, we don’t assume he is guilty until the courts render its final decision. When we say the courts, we mean the Supreme Court for cases can always be appealed if there is any doubt on the lower court’s decision.

"Rebellion," Honasan was quoted as saying, "is a continuing crime and anyone suspected of involvement in the July 27 mutiny can be arrested. I will prove my innocence but I will do that in the proper forum (under) the proper circumstances." All crimes are continuing and no one suspected can be arrested without evidence. Most important even people already charged with the worst crimes imaginable don’t have to prove their innocence. It is the prosecutors that have to prove their guilt.

Honasan added that he will prove his innocence in the proper forum. The proper forum is our courts. There is no other.

By the way, this is not the first time that Honasan has made himself inaccessible. After his coup attempts failed in 1989, Honasan was in hiding or remained inaccessible for three years. So this is the second time around.

To conclude, we commend Sen. Luisa "Loi" Estrada for her behavior as a state person. It is in keeping with her noble background as a doctor and a member of the Senate. If you are a public figure, all your actions must have transparency.

In the meantime, we have the depressing news that an enlisted member of the Navy’s elite Special Warfare Group who joined the July 27 mutiny escaped from a custodial center in Cavite City last Sunday morning. Officials announced the escape only last Wednesday or three days later.

It seems as if our armed forces can’t even keep their prisoners confined. Commander Geronimo Malabanan, Navy information officer, said that if the escapee fails to return in seven days, he will be declared absent without official leave. So now imprisoned members of our armed forces who escape are not considered "fugitives". They are "absent without official leave." Big deal.