By Ronron
February 7, 2007
Popular Philippine coup leader and former Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II filed on Wednesday his candidacy for the Senatorial race this May even as he remains in jail for allegedly leading the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny in Makati City.
In barong tagalog and in the company of his wife, son, daughter and lawyers, Honasan arrived at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Intramuros, Manila past 8:30 am yesterday under heavy escort by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and became the 28th individual to file candidacy for the position of Senator.
The 58-year-old Honasan came from Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna where he is detained as he stands on trial at the Makati City Region Trial Court Branch 148 for coup d’ etat charges filed against him in relation to the Oakwood mutiny incident.
“I’m going to continue my programs that I started in the Senate. I will try to serve the purpose of my generation for the benefit of the next generation,” he told reporters in a brief media interview after submitting his certificate of candidacy.
Honasan said he is running as an independent candidate, as he always did, although he welcomes “any expression of support from any group – from the administration, opposition and individuals.”
The two-time former Senator said his political platform would rest on the “peace, unity and reconciliation” theme.
Asked if it is highly likely for him to run under the administration ticket, Honasan said: “We are open to endorse common programs (with the administration).”
His lawyers said Honasan would campaign through his family and supporters – both private, and those who belong to the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) which he heads.
“We will try to campaign our best, to reach as many people as possible,” Honasan said.
Before leaving the Comelec, Honasan paid a brief courtesy call to Comelec Commissioner Resurreccion Borra. Then, he was whisked away shortly past 9:30 am, back to Fort Sto. Domingo, without any chance of addressing the more than 100 PGBI members who gathered in front of the Comelec building to express support.
The crowd of supporters voluntarily dispersed at around 9:40 am.
Makati City Judge Oscar Pimentel had allowed Honasan to leave detention from 8:30 am until 12 noon yesterday so he could file his candidacy.
Honasan’s police security escort from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Special Action Force (SAF) numbered to about 80./DMS
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