SC denies with finality Nur petition for Sulu trial

Proceed with the arraignment and start the trial the soonest!

In essence, this was the ruling of the Supreme Court yesterday when it denied with finality the request of jailed Muslim leader Nur Misuari to transfer the hearing of his rebellion case from Sta. Rosa, Laguna to Jolo, Sulu.

"At bottom, Misuari et al have not presented cogent, substantial or compelling arguments to convince us to grant their motions, which — to reiterate — are hereby denied with finality," the two-page en banc resolution read.

The April 15 arraignment of Misuari, his spiritual adviser Abu Harris Usman and six others was reset by Judge Norberto Geraldez to May 15 after defense lawyers said that the SC has not yet denied with finality their request for venue transfer.

But with the tribunal’s latest ruling, the court will have no choice but to proceed with the arraignment. Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño said they are ready with the case.

Thirteen justices — except for Jose Melo, Santiago Kapunan and Consuelo Ynares—Santiago who are abroad — said Misuari’s lawyers have not convinced them to reverse their original ruling, putting up a temporary courthouse inside the fort for Misuari.

"Misuari et al. have not presented adequate proof that the alleged negative publicity has caused extreme prejudice to them to such an extent as to deprive them of due process. Speculation or suspicion is not equivalent to proof," the SC stressed.

The former governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao had wanted to have his rebellion case transferred to the Jolo Regional Trial Court, citing as reason that non-Muslims in Luzon are biased against them.