Solicitor-General Jose Calida is invoking privileged communication between a client and counsel when asked if he initiated the review of the validity of amnesty granted to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
“We have such a thing as privileged communication and a client. I will not comment,” Calida told reporters at the Supreme Court. He will argue on behalf of the government on the petition to declare void the Duterte administration’s withdrawal of membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Pressed for the Office of the Solicitor General’s participation on the amnesty review given to Trillanes, he said “I am invoking my privileged communication between client and counsel because I am the lawyer of the Republic.”
Trillanes said the timing of the release of amnesty revocation was suspect because it was released on the same day the Senate will conduct a public hearing ont the government contracts acquired by Calida family’s security agency.
“I don’t know about him. He’s not a judge. He’s not a prosecutor. So, if he [Trillanes] wants to file a case, let him file a case,” Calida said.
When asked why he appeared less combative and more mellow about the matter, Calida said “as you grow older, you grow wiser. We learn by experience.” /ee
READ: ‘Kalokohan’ – Trillanes on Duterte amnesty
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