MANILA, Philippines?Twelve senators have signed a resolution seeking the dismissal of the complaint against Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. in connection with the alleged double funding and diversion of the C-5 Road extension project to benefit his real estate empire.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano Monday said the resolution expressed the sentiment of the Senate and stressed that the 12 senators who signed it comprised the majority of the 22-member chamber.

Detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has no voting rights as his coup d?etat case is still pending in court.

The Senate committee of the whole ended in October its hearings on the complaint filed against Villar by Sen. Jamby Madrigal.

Cayetano said the senators were seeking the dismissal of the case for disorderly behavior against Villar because ?after 20 hearings and discussions [of] the issues, the testimonies were in favor of Villar [and suggested] no anomalies.?

Cayetano said the 12 who signed included himself, Villar, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Joker Arroyo, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Gregorio Honasan, Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Francis Pangilinan, Ramon ?Bong? Revilla Jr. and Lito Lapid.

Pimentel said he was not aware the resolution had gained 12 signatures but if that was the case, then the Senate ?will not be able to find Senator Villar liable of the charges.? Christine O. Avendaño