Guevarra: DOJ not involved in Trillanes’ amnesty review

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra insisted on Wednesday that his department was not involved in the review of the amnesty given to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

Guevarra issued the statement after Trillanes tagged him as part of the “incompetent” legal team of President Duterte for voiding the amnesty given to him by the previous administration without legal basis.

“The DOJ was not involved at all in the reviews of his (Trillanes) amnesty. And I don’t make ad hominem arguments,” Guevarra, who was designated officer-in-charge of the national government while Duterte is in Israel and Jordan, told Palace reporters in a text message.

In a proclamation issued August 31, President Rodrigo Duterte voided Trillanes’ amnesty for his alleged failure to formally apply for one and for his supposed failure to admit guilt.

READ: Duterte revokes Trillanes amnesty, orders his arrest

The senator, who is one of  President Duterte’s fiercest enemies, denied these claims, even showing a video before the Senate to prove that he formally applied for amnesty and followed necessary procedures.

READ: Trillanes presents proof he applied for amnesty

Guevarra, however, noted that Trillanes should have made a “specific admission” of guilt for leading the coup de’tat and mutiny in 2003 and 2007 to protest the alleged corruption during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“You have to specify the offenses you are admitting to be guilty of, not just a general statement that you admit breaking rules,” he said.

The Justice chief also said Trillanes can prove his claims in court as his department had already sought an arrest warrant and hold departure order against him. /ee

READ: Guevarra: Legislative immunity not applicable to Trillanes