We're not out to grab credits -Sotto.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Christine O. Avendano

MINORITY Leader Vicente Sotto III yesterday said he and Senators Gregorio Honasan and Rodolfo Biazon were not out to grab credit for their roles in helping to quell last Sunday's mutiny in Makati City by disgruntled junior military officers.

At a news briefing, Sotto said he wanted to set the record straight on the events of Sunday and it was "immaterial'' if it was Honasan who had called Malacanang or the other way around.

Who called whom first has become a bone of contention in the aftermath of the failed rebellion because of allegations that Honasan, a former Army officer who had led past coup attempts against the government, was behind this uprising as well.

Sotto said he, Honasan and Biazon had gone to the Oakwood Premier after receiving calls from Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Jose de Venecia and Sen. Edgardo Angara "trying to get the three of us to make efforts to talk to the soldiers.''

He questioned Senior Deputy Presidential Chief of Staff Rene Velasco's account of the talks between the mutineers and the three senators, as well as Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chair Mike Defensor and Velasco himself who had accompanied the lawmakers.