INQUIRER.net photo / Tetch Torres-Tupas
Still no arrest warrant for Senator Antonio Trillanes IV after the Makati City City Regional Trial Court Branch 150 gave the prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) time to respond to the comment/opposition filed by the senator.
In a court order, the DOJ prosecutors led by acting Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon and Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera were given five days to submit a reply.
Trillanes’ comment/opposition insisted that the case against the senator has been dismissed seven years ago and can no longer be revived by a mere Proclamation and a motion by the DOJ.
On the other hand, Trillanes’ camp through Atty. Reynaldo Robles also has five days to submit a rejoinder to the reply if necessary.
The Makati RTC Branch 150 is handling the rebellion case against Trillanes and other Magdalo soldiers in connection with the Manila Peninsula siege in 2007. The case was, however, dismissed even when the prosecution has yet to present evidence because of the amnesty given by then President Benigno Aquino III.
Fadullon told the court that with Proclamation 572 revoking the amnesty given to Trillanes “we revert back to the situation prior to the dismissal.”
He said because Aquino’s amnesty grant under Proclamation 75 has been superseded by Duterte’s issuance, the lower court’s dismissal becomes void.
But Trillanes’ counsel said Proclamation 75, the amnesty given to the senator, is also valid “until judicially annulled.”
Aside from the reply and rejoinder, both parties have been required to submit their evidence to support their claims.
After submission, the case will be submitted for resolution.
“Thereafter, the incidents shall be deemed submitted for resolution,” Makati RTC Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda said in his order. /jpv
RELATED STORY
Gazmin recognizes Trillanes’ application for amnesty