Magdalo lawyers mull seeking separate judgment by Makati judge for other accused who already finished presenting case

By Ronron
March 13, 2008

Some of the Magdalo officers charged with coup d’ etat at the Makati City Regional Trial Court already want a resolution of their case ahead of the others, one of their lawyers said Thursday.

Atty. Trixie Angeles, who represents Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, said co-defense counsel Theodore Te suggested the possible issuance of a judgment for some of the 31 accused when they approached the chamber of Judge Oscar Pimentel during yesterday’s hearing.

Angeles said the move came after accused Army Capt. Milo Maestrecampo and Air Force 1Lt. Ashley Acedillo manifested before the court their complaint against what they say as the dragging trial of their case, which stemmed from their participation the takeover of Oakwood Hotel in Makati City on July 27, 2003.

During yesterday’s hearing, Acedillo told the court he wants a speedy resolution of his case because he wanted to have “a second career” if he still has the chance and time, said Captain Carlo Ferrer, spokesman of the Armed Forces National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM).

Angeles said that should all lawyers agree unanimously on Te’s suggestion, they will formally move for it before Pimentel.

“We’re still exploring that possibility,” Angeles said.

Angeles said they will certainly consider the fact that all the accused are charged with “conspiracy to commit coup d’ etat” when they talk over Te’s suggestion.

Angeles said that as of now, only eight of the 31 accused remain unfinished in the presentation of their cases. The trial of the case started sometime in the second half of 2003.

The defense is trying to prove that there was no coup d’ etat that happened when some 300 soldiers took over the Oakwood Hotel. Rather, the soldiers were just out to air their grievances.

The next hearing will be on April 2, 10, and 24, when defense lawyer Atty. Ernesto Francisco will try to prove that the grievances of the Magdalo Group against the operations at the Buliok Complex in North Cotabato in February 2003 was valid.

In attendance at yesterday’s hearing were only 12 of the accused, as the rest, including Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, opted to waive their right.

The hearing began at 9:30 am and ended shortly past 11 am./DMS