Opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. AP file photo
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV will just have to wait a little bit longer as the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 148 opted to give more time before it releases its ruling on whether or not to grant the government’s motion regarding the senator’s arrest for coup d’ etat.
Atty. Ma. Rhodora Malabag-Peralta, Makati RTC Branch 148’s Clerk of Court, told reporters “definitely wala” (definitely none) when asked if a ruling is expected this Friday.
She, however, said that a decision may be released “most likely Monday.”
Makati RTC Branch 148 Presiding Judge Andres Soriano has been cautious with the case as he conducted two hearings, the second hearing was a whole day trial dedicated for the reception of evidence.
Soriano even skipped the Judges Conference scheduled from Wednesday to Friday to focus on the case of Trillanes his court is currently handling.
The case is about the motion filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) asking the court to issue a warrant for Trillanes’ arrest for coup d’ etat in connection with the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny.
The case has been dismissed in 2011 after Trillanes and the other Magdalo soldiers were given amnesty by then President Benigno Aquino III. The amnesty given specifically to Trillanes was revoked by President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation 572.
READ: Duterte revokes Trillanes amnesty, orders his arrest
The DOJ’s motion, in effect, sought for the reopening of the long-dismissed case and go on with its promulgation.
On Thursday, Makati City Police Chief Senior Superintendent Rogelio Simon said that Soriano informed him that he is already on the last stage of writing his ruling on the case.
The court closes at 4:30 p.m. and Judge Soriano left his office at 4:49 p.m., wishing members of the media waiting outside his office “a happy weekend.” /jpv