Drilon: SC can no longer disturb Makati court findings on Trillanes case

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon expressed belief Tuesday that the Supreme Court can no longer disturb the factual findings by the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 in the case of colleague Antonio Trillanes IV.

Drilon, a former Justice secretary, cited jurisprudence that the “Supreme Court is not a trier of facts” and the case of Trillanes, a member of the opposition, is a question of fact. 

“Well-settled is the rule that the Supreme Court is not a trier of fact. The Supreme Court cannot assume the role of trier of facts which, by law and jurisprudence, belongs to the lower courts,” he said in a press statement.

“Factual findings of the lower courts are entitled to great weight and respect on appeal, and in fact accorded finality when supported by substantial evidence on the record, as stated in the case of Xentrex Motors, Inc. v. Court of Appeals (353 Phil. 258, 262 1998) and in a long line of other cases,” he added.

He added that in the case of Trillanes, the lower court has affirmed the fact that the former Navy officer validly complied with the requirements for his amnesty application.

“I do not see how this finding can be disturbed by the Supreme Court especially considering that the original decision of Makati RTC Branch 148 attained finality seven years ago,” he said.

Drilon said it is a well-entrenched ruling that factual findings of the lower courts are given the highest degree of respect and great weight by appellate tribunals because they are in a better position to examine the real evidence and observe the demeanor of witnesses.

He added that it is clear from the decision of Judge Andres Soriano that he carefully considered the testimonies of the witnesses, taking pains to detail the significant portions of their statements.

Drilon expressed belief that the Supreme Court will be hard-pressed to overturn the ruling of Makati RTC Branch 148.

“Any petition or appeal must then fail,” said Drilon.

Soriano, in a decision released Monday, contradicted a presidential proclamation that declared the lawmaker failed to comply with amnesty requirements. The court found that the senator, in fact, filed for amnesty and admitted his guilt for participation in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, among others, on January 5, 2011. 

He recognized that the dismissal of the coup d'etat case against Trillanes over the 2003 Oakwood mutiny has become final and he found no reason to disturb the doctrine of immutability of a final and executory judgment.

However, he saw no basis to believe that Proclamation No. 572, the presidential directive that revoked Trillanes' amnesty, breached any constitutional guaranty or encroached on the power of either the judicial or executive branch of government.

The issue is pending before the SC. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News