Trillanes attends first Senate session

For the first time after he was elected in 2007, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday attended a session in the Senate. “[I am] first very grateful for this opportunity," said Trillanes, a former Navy officer who was detained since July 2003 after participating in a failed attempt to topple the government of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Trillanes tasted freedom early this month after the Makati Regional Trial Court, where he is facing coup d’etat and rebellion charges, granted him provisional liberty. On Monday, Trillanes took his oath of office before other senators present on the floor. Before that, the former Navy officer approached and shook hands with Sen. Joker Arroyo, with whom he engaged in a word war recently after Arroyo criticized Trillanes for allegedly being a big spender. Trillanes, in response, called Arroyo lazy. Arroyo was not in favor of the amnesty being extended to soldiers attempted to overthrow the previous administration. "I believe, primarily most of it was provoked by the media … [but] I won’t blame you for that one," Trillanes told reporters. Asked if the gesture signified a truce, Trillanes said the public can interpret it anyway they want. "I’m willing to extend my hand to him (Arroyo)," he said. Arroyo did not comment on the handshake and apparent reconciliation. Trillanes admitted that he is a bit "overwhelmed" by the media attention being given to him but said he hopes he’ll be able to adjust in the next few weeks. He said he plans to prioritize all the 283 measures he filed during the 15th Congress, as well as conduct a committee hearing soon. Trillanes was the first Philippine senator to be elected while in detention. — Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV