Guevarra says DOJ to elevate cases vs Trillanes to higher courts

October 22, 2018

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday said the Department of Justice (DOJ) will elevate to higher courts its bid to arrest Senator Antonio Trillanes IV after a Makati court denied the DOJ's petition to issue an arrest warrant and hold departure order. 

This came as President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 572 revoking his amnesty in coup d'etat and rebellion cases.

In a press conference, Guevarra said will discuss with the prosecution team their next move.

Guevarra said it is inevitable for both camps to bring the coup d'etat and rebellion cases to the Court of Appeals or even up to the Supreme Court after Makati Regional Trial Court Branches 148 and 150 issued conflicting rulings.

"The cases in Makati RTC Branch 148 and Branch 150 are essentially the same, but the judges had different appreciation. Both parties may elevate the rulings to a higher court," he noted.

Guevarra downplayed the ruling of RTC Branch 148.

"Nobody can claim total victory in this ruling of Makati RTC Branch 148. The RTCs were simply directed by the SC to resolve factual issues which are instrumental to the case in the SC. So we are done in that stage," he said. DMS