Vice President Jejomar Binay on Saturday appealed for the release of Senator Antonio Trillanes from detention, saying that his presence at the Senate will be a big contribution to the legislative body, particularly concerning the Philippine military.

Binay made the appeal to the Makati City regional trial court (RTC) on Sartuday.

Trillanes is currently detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Crame for rebellion charges following the 2007 Manila Peninsula Hotel siege and the Oakwood mutiny in 2003, both of which are located in Makati City.

“I am appealing to the good judge Oscar Pimentel for the release of Sen. Trillanes so he can attend the sessions in the Senate,” Binay said.

“Sen. Trillanes is a duly elected official of the land, so why can’t he discharge his duties and responsibilities? It would be a travesty to the 11 million voters who believed that he can effect change,” he added.

According to Binay, the Senate would greatly benefit from Trillanes’ understanding of issues, especially on the armed forces.

“Sen. Trillanes would be a crucial addition to the bright minds of our Congress, as the Senate’s legislative work would benefit from his years of experience and insights gleaned as an officer of our armed forces,” Binay said.

The Senate will begin its sessions on July 26 and is expected to be attended by 21 senators, with the absence of Sen. Panfilo Lacson and the assumption of Benigno Aquino III as the 15th Philippine President.

Trillanes was elected senator in 2007.