‘It could’ve been worse’ – Trillanes camp

‘It could’ve been worse.’

This was what the camp of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Tuesday after the Supreme Court (SC) denied the mutineer-turned-lawmaker’s petition for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction and/or temporary restraining order to stop the implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation No. 572.

The presidential directive issued on August 31 revokes the amnesty granted to Trillanes in 2011, saying it was void ab initio because the staunch Duterte critic failed to file an application for it and admit his guilt over his involvement in failed uprisings against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2003 and 2007.

READ: Trillanes fails to get relief from SC

“We are gratified with the decision of the Supreme Court,” Atty. Reynaldo Robles told reporters.

“I think it is one of the best outcomes that we could hope for under the circumstances,” he added.

In denying Trillanes’ petition, the SC noted the pronouncement of Mr. Duterte that Trillanes would not be apprehended without a warrant of arrest issued by the lower court.

“Thus, there is no extreme and urgent necessity for the Court to issue an injunctive relief considering that the respondents have acknowledged Senator Trillanes’ right to due process,” the SC said.

On whether or not Trillanes has complied with the requirements to qualify for an amnesty, the SC said it is factual in nature that “Makati RTCs (Regional Trial Courts) be given leeway in exercising their concurrent jurisdiction to hear and resolve the pleadings/motions filed by the parties as regards the legality of Proclamation 572.”  /kga

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