Makati court orders arrest of Trillanes

September 25, 2018

A Makati court on Tuesday ordered the arrest of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV after President Rodrigo Duterte revoked his amnesty grant last month.

The Makati Regional Trial Court branch 150, in a two-page order granted the request of the Department of Justice to issue an arrest warrant against Trillanes after President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 572 nullifying the amnesty granted to him during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

Judge Elmo Alameda of Branch 150 also issued a hold departure against Trillanes. A bail of P200, 000 is set for his temporary liberty.

Alameda, in his ruling, said Trillanes “failed to substantiate his claim that he filed his application for amnesty.”

“Evidently, he failed to present the original hard copy, duplicate copy or even a photocopy showing that he personally accomplished and filed with the Department of National Defense Amnesty Committee his Official Amnesty Application Form duly acknowledged and stamp marked received by said office,” it said.

In a press conference, Trillanes said democracy was defeated and evil has prevailed.

“Our law was twisted that’s why our democracy and institution fail,” he said.

Trillanes said he presented all the documents and witness proving that the amnesty is valid.

“This case goes beyond me. I didn’t commit any crime because I was granted an amnesty 7 years ago,” he said. “I filed an amnesty, we presented witness, and I admitted my guilt.”

He added they will post bail Tuesday afternoon.

“Our intention is to post bail. Just like what I said, I will go with the arresting team if there is warrant, no matter how unjust that warrant may be,” he said.

Malacanang said they are hoping Trillanes will surrender and prove his innocence after the issuance of order.

“The matter now is entirely up to the regional trial court. Trillanes can appeal RTC decision. Meanwhile, he has to honor the court's jurisdiction,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a TV interview.

Meanwhile, Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano said the validity of their amnesty should have been questioned in the RTC first.

“The Palace will not stop going after Trillanes and they can find other ways to twist the law. Nonetheless, we will face them head on,” he said in a TV interview.

The Makati City RTC Branch 150 handled the rebellion case against Trillanes and other Magdalo soldiers over the Manila Peninsula siege in 2007.

However, the case was dismissed after former president Benigno Aquino III issued an amnesty to Trillanes and other Magdalo rebel soldiers. Ella Dionisio/DMS