By Jel Santos
The release of the resolution of the Very Urgent Ex-Parte Omnibus Motion for the issuance of arrest warrant and hold departure order (HDO) against Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV was deferred on Friday by the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 148.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
(Czar Dancel / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a three-page order penned by Judge Andres Bartolome Soriano, he set the case's hearing for the reception of evidence on Oct. 5, 2018 at 9 a.m.
He stated that, on the said date, the following factual issues will be heard:
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Whether or not Trillanes filed the requisite application for amnesty under Proclamation No. 75 before he was granted amnesty in 2011;
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Whether or not there was an admission of guilt on his part at the time he applied for and was granted amnesty
"The Court deems it prudent and proper to set this case for hearing for reception of evidence," the judge stated in his order.
Around 2 p.m. Judge Soriano left his office. He did not say a thing when asked by reporters about the resolution.
Media people have started camping out Judge Soriano's office after the Department of Justice (DOJ) submitted its reply to the supplemental comment/opposition of Trillanes on September 26.
The first hearing of the case at Branch 148 was on September 13. To recall, the judge ordered both camps to comment and reply.
Earlier, the judge told reporters that he might issue a resolution next week. "Hanggang next week," he said.
On Thursday, Makati police chief Senior Supt. Rogelio Simon went to the office of Soriano to get an update from the judge, but he was not there.
On September 25, the Makati RTC Branch 150 granted the motion of the DOJ against the opposition senator. It issued an arrest warrant and HDO. Shortly after the issuance, Trillanes paid P200, 000 bail for his temporary liberty.
Trillanes is facing a rebellion case at the Branch 150, which is presided by Executive Judge Elmo Alameda.
It can be recalled that the coup d'etat case of the lawmaker was dismissed by the Branch 148 due to the amnesty granted by then Pres. Aquino in September 2011. Trillanes was involved in the Oakwood Mutiny during the Arroyo Administration.
However, in August, Pres. Duterte declared the amnesty of Trillanes as "void ab initio" or void from the beginning" through Proclamation 572.