The Philippine Online Chronicles

Brigadier General Danilo Lim was released on Monday after four years in prison, following the acceptance of his request for provisional liberty by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Delfin Bangit, and the posting of bail amounting to P200,000. Lim was incarcerated for plotting a coup against now outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo back in 2006.

AFP spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Arnulfo Burgos denied that Lim’s release was a way for Bangit to pander to president-apparent Noynoy Aquino, under whose party Lim ran for senator during the May elections. Lim placed 17^th in the senatorial race, with six million votes.

“The basis for the release of General Lim was his request. General Bangit merely acted on it as the confining and convening authority … under Article of War 70,” said Burgos.

Lim’s wife Aloysia admitted that it was “surprising” that Lim’s request for release was accepted only within a few days.

“I’m very happy because God finally answered our prayers. I also thank our friends and relatives who supported us,” she added.

Lim will be expected to report to Brigadier General Reynaldo Ordoñez, head of the Philippine Defense Reform Office and now Lim’s “custodial officer.”

“There are no limitations to his release. Although he is not allowed to leave the country, General Lim can go wherever he wants,” said Burgos. “[And] General Ordoñez must present General Lim every time the general court-martial conducts hearings on the cases filed against him.”

The same day he was released, Lim met with Aquino at his home in Times Street, Quezon City. After a meeting lasting two and a half hours, Lim emerged and said that he was willing to help the new president, but his role in the upcoming administration was not yet discussed.

“I’m a team player anyway,” he said.

“There was no discussion yet, and if there should be an appointment, I’m sure we’ll just hear about it from [the new administration],” Lim also said. “You know that there’s a one-year ban [from losing candidates taking up government appointments].”