THE Mindanao-based Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) Eagle Fraternal Chapter's appeal to remove Senator Antonio Trillanes IV from the alumni brotherhood demonstrates the military's "overall sentiment," Malacañang said on Friday, September 14.
"That reflects overall sentiment of the military," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., when sought for reaction on the PMAAAI Eagle Fraternal Chapter's call for Trillanes's expulsion from the association of PMA graduates.
Published as a newspaper advertisement, the September 12 manifesto signed by dozens of PMAAAI Eagle Fraternal Chapter, an association of PMA graduates from Mindanao, affirmed the group's collective stand ostracizing Trillanes and recommending his ouster from the PMAAAI roll.
The group accused the embattled senator of "seriously damaging the honor and prestige" of this revered institution because of his actions "unbecoming of a PEEMAYER."
It particularly reasoned Trillanes's alleged incitement to sedition; commission of coup d'état, and graft and corruption; disrespect and arrogant behavior toward senior officers and President Rodrigo Duterte; treasonous acts; engagement in propaganda activities; constant annoying actions; and blatant lie.
It stressed that Trillanes's acts were "contrary to the Academy's motto of courage, integrity, and loyalty."
"In view of the foregoing facts and circumstances, we, the members of the PMAAAI Eagle Fraternal Chapter based in Mindanao do hereby affix our signatures to affirm and reiterate our collective stand ostracizing Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and ousting him as PMAAAI member for conduct unbecoming of a public official," the statement read.
Trillanes, a member of PMA Marilag Class of 1995, was unfazed by the manifesto, saying some PMA alumni were merely being used for a propaganda against him.
The PMA association's latest call was similar to its April manifesto likewise published in a newspaper, calling for Trillanes's "immediate ouster."
The recycled manifesto came following Duterte's order on August 31 to revoke Trillanes's amnesty and order the former military official's arrest. (SunStar Philippines)