Aquino says coup charge vs Trillanes ‘unjust’; Trillanes posted bail in connection with Manila Pen November 2007 incident
abs-cbnNEWS.com
President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Friday labeled as unjust a coup charge against former Navy Lt. Senior Grade and now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for his involvement in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny.
Update July 18 from Justice Secretary Leila de Lima:
” We abide by the directive of the President. I am reviewing the records of the case and have consulted our prosecutors, especially those handling it before the court.
“I understand that the case will soon be deemed submitted for the court’s decision, upon the filing of the required memoranda by both the prosecution and the defense. At this stage, the options for the prosecution may be limited. And the courts have absolute discretion in the disposal of a case once it has acquired jurisdiction over it.
“On the other hand, the President has the absolute prerogative to direct the Secretary of Justice, as an alter ego, to review the case against Senator Trillanes. It is in consonance with his oath to do justice to every man. That is also part of the thrust and mission of the new DOJ,” Secretary De Lima added.
“I will, however, exercise care and circumspection under the circumstances, given the independence of the judiciary,” Secretary De Lima further added.
Aquino said he has ordered Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to review the coup charge against Trillanes since the elements of a coup were not present during the short-lived mutiny.
“Trillanes was first incarcerated by virtue of the charge of participating in a coup. However, if you review the Revised Penal Code, there is a provision that says a coup is committed if there is a swift, violent attack. Then there’s an enumeration. The enumeration does not include a hotel,” he said at the inauguration of the Philippine National Police School of Values and Leadership (SVL) in Subic Freeport Zone, Zambales.