Lawyer defends Faeldon, other Magdalo men's decision to stay on trial

MANILA, Philippines - The lawyer of escaped Marine Capt Nicanor Faeldon on Wednesday defended her client's and other Magdalo soldiers' decision not to change plea and continue their fight against the charges filed against them. In a statement, lawyer Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Faeldon will not follow the other military officers who opted to cop a plea. "He (Faeldon) is willing to pay for his intransigence, as he has always been willing to take the consequences of his actions. He has taken the difficult path and will stay the course," Angeles said. On Tuesday, 11 junior military officers belonging to the Magdalo group changed their not guilty plea before a general court martial in connection with the failed July 27, 2003 Oakwood mutiny. The officers pleaded guilty to violating Articles of War 96 or conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman after a short meeting with Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano. Those who changed their original plea were: Captain Segundino Orfiano Jr, and 1st Lieutenants Billy Pascua and Francisco Ashley Acedillo from the Air Force; Lieutenants Senior Grade James Layug, Eugene Louie Gonzales, Andy Torato, and Manuel Cabochan, Lieutenant Junior Grade Arturo Pascua, and Ensign Arman Pontejos from the Navy; and Captain Gary Alejano and Second Lieutenant Jonnel Sangalang from the Marines. In the statement, Angeles said Faeldon has always maintained his stand not to cop a plea on any of the offenses by which he is charged. "His actions speak of the battle he has undertaken against a false and corrupt president," said Angeles. The lawyer said Faeldon believes "a plea of guilt, will be tacit admission of the power exercised by a leader who has no mandate, and such an act will ultimately ratify that power. He cannot and will not recognize that power." Angeles said with the decision of other junior military officers to cop a plea, Marine 2nd Lts. Alquin Canson, Edwin Duetao and Junnibert Tubo, and Army 1st Lt. Warren Lee Dagupon should be lauded for their courageous stand to stay in trial. Cruz-Angeles also serves as counsel for Duetao and Tubo. The five soldiers and resigned Navy Lt (s.g.) turned Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV were the only Magdalo members still on trial in connection with the Oakwood mutiny. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV