MANILA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- A former mutiny leader of the Philippine military said on Friday that he plans to seek a seat of the Senate in the upcoming May elections.

    Navy lieutenant Antonio Trillanes IV, one of the five core leaders of the short-lived Oakwood mutiny against President GloriaMacapagal-Arroyo in July 2003, said he is getting support now from various sectors.

    "We are going against the tide but we would continue despite all odds," Trillanes told reporters at the sidelines of the court martial proceedings against him and the other officers linked to the mutiny.

    Trillanes said he is being considered by the political opposition in its senatorial lineup, but he may run independently.

    "Nevertheless, I thank the opposition for having considered me. But even without a party, I would pursue my candidacy," he said.

    Trillanes said he is aware that under the military justice system, he would be considered by the Armed Forces as resigned from the service once he files his candidacy before the Commission on Elections.

    Facing a charge of coup d'etat, Trillanes is presently in detention at the Bonifacio Naval Station in the military headquarters of Fort Bonifacio. The Justice Department has allowed him to file his certificate of candidacy on Feb. 3.

    The military said that they will retain its jurisdiction over Trillanes on the specific case and would keep him in detention while the court martial proceedings are yet to be concluded.

    A military spokesman said that seeking an elective position will not "absolve him of criminal liabilities."