MANILA, Philippines — The promulgation of the verdict on the coup attempt case against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and military officers linked in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny has been set this Thursday by a local court in Makati City. According to a staff of Makati regional trial court Branch 148 hearing the case, the promulgation is included in their court calendar this Thursday.
It was remembered that Judge Oscar Pimentel of the Makati RTC issued an order resetting the promulgation of the judgment today, December 16, from the original set date of promulgation last after October 28 after granting the motion filed by Trillanes and Ltsg. James Layug and Marine Capt. Gary Alejano seeking the deferment of his ruling on the coup d’état case in connection with the July 27, 2003 Oakwood mutiny.
But defense lawyer Ernesto Francisco Jr. said he will attend the hearing today and ask for the deferment and indefinite suspension of the promulgation of the decision.
“Although the amnesty proclamation already has the concurrence of both houses of Congress, it might take time for the entire process, including amnesty application and publication, to finish,” said Francisco.
“It will take a while before we can move for the dismissal of the case. And as far as the court is concerned, the promulgation will have to push through,” Francisco added.
Anna Liza Villas, Manila Bulletin