Public debate with Binay, a ‘no-win situation’ for Trillanes

I think Vice President Jejomar Binay has wittingly or unwittingly outwitted Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV by challenging the senator to a public debate on the issue the Senate is now proving against the Vice President, which challenge the outspoken senator readily accepted.

Indeed, Binay’s camp was right in saying that, under the present circumstances, the Vice President has no fair chance to defend himself and protect his dignity as a person inside the halls of Congress where, under existing laws, lawmakers may say anything—however humiliating, malicious or libelous—against anyone without fear of being charged in a court of law. That is why, methinks, businessman Antonio Tiu was pursuing a futile exercise in wanting, as reported, to demand P4 million in moral damages against Trillanes for maligning his personal integrity during the latest hearing on Binay’s case.

I do not know if Trillanes, who is not a lawyer, has realized the consequences of his immediate acceptance of Binay’s challenge. In my opinion, whether he faces Binay in the debate or reconsiders his decision and

eventually withdraws, is now water under the bridge. I mean, Trillanes has gone into a no-win situation!

In a debate, Trillanes has to temper his speech, which would in turn weaken his previous allegations, lest he unnecessarily expose himself to a litany of possible court cases—something that any other lawmaker worth his salt will always try to avoid. If he withdraws, he automatically loses his credibility and reveals his cowardice before the public.

—RUDY L. CORONEL,

[email protected]