Makati court denies appeals filed by DOJ, Trillanes

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Friday evening that Makati RTC Branch 148 denied both appeals filed by Department of Justice, and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, respectively.

While the court affirmed its earlier ruling that Trillanes filed amnesty application and admitted guilt, and Proclamation 572 is legal.

"The People moves for the reconsideration of this court's factual findings on whether or not Trillanes filed his application for amnesty and admitted guilt at the time he added for and was granted amnesty," the order read.

"Meanwhile, Trillanes, on his part, moves that the court take a second look on its ruling regarding the legality or constitutionality of Proclamation No. 572," it added.

When Guevarra was asked if the DOJ will elevate the case to the Court of Appeals, Guevarra said: “For discussion with Solicitor General Calida. There’s not only one legal move available here.”

Judge Andres Soriano of Makati RTC Branch 148 released the ruling on Friday.

The DOJ filed the case claiming that Trillanes' amnesty is "void from the beginning" since he did not comply with the requirements.

READ: Makati court: Trillanes applied for amnesty, admitted guilt

Soriano said on October 22 that “the prosecution failed to sufficiently establish its claim that Trillanes did not file an official application form for amnesty.” — Ryan Macasero, Kristine Joy Patag