Makati court hears coup charges vs Trillanes today

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 148 is set to hear today the coup d’état case against opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

In a three-page order, Makati RTC Branch 148 Judge Andres Bartolome Soriano ordered the prosecution and the senator to present their evidence to determine “whether or not Trillanes filed the requisite application for amnesty under Proclamation No. 75 before he was granted amnesty in 2011.” 

State prosecutor Richard Fadullon said yesterday they are prepared for the hearing and for the presentation of their evidence against Trillanes. 

Fadullon though refused to elaborate further on their legal actions against Trillanes.

Defense counsel Florin Hilbay previously said they would present the same evidence and arguments they used in defending Trillanes’ case at the Makati RTC Branch 150 where the senator was separately charged for rebellion, a bailable offense.

The Makati RTC Branch 150 ordered the arrest of Trillanes after President Duterte voided his amnesty under Proclamation 572, reviving the charges against the mutineer-turned politician for the failed uprisings in 2003 and 2007.

Trillanes posted bail for charges of rebellion in the Makati RTC Branch 150 but he is facing a separate charge of coup d’etat before the Makati RTC Branch 148 which has yet to decide to arrest him on a non-bailable offense.

The prosecution is scheduled to present their evidence and witnesses against Trillanes for his rebellion case on Nov. 21.