Supreme Court rules in favor of Beltran, Batasan 5

The Supreme Court threw out the rebellion charges against Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran and five other partylist legislators.

In a ruling, the SC dismissed the charges against Beltran and the five lawmakers, Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño and Joel Virador, Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza and Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano. 

The high tribunal said the Department of Justice had no probable cause to file the charges against politicians critical of the government.

Moreover, the court said Beltran could be released from detention if there was no pending charges against him.

Beltran waas arrested last year in connection to a conspiracy between leftist and rightist groups to overthrow President Gloria Arroyo. 

The five 'Batasan' lawmakers, so-named after  they holed up at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City  to avoid being arrested, were also linked to the same conspiracy.