PROCLAMATION NO. 572 DID NOT REVOKE PROCLAMATION NO. 75

On the Amnesty and Revocation
[Stripped of Partisan Considerations]

The factual backdrop:

1) Proclamation No. 572 declared that “[t]he grant of amnesty to former LTSG Antonio Trillanes under Proclamation No. 75 is declared void ab initio because he did not comply with the minimum requirements to qualify under the Amnesty Proclamation.”

2) Proclamation No. 572 further directed the DOJ and AFP Court  Martial to pursue all criminal and administrative cases filed against Sen. Trillanes in relation to the Oakwood Mutiny and the Manila Peninsula Incident.

3) Proclamation No. 572 ordered the AFP and the PNP to employ all lawful means to apprehend Sen. Trillanes so that he can be recommitted to the detention facility where he had been incarcerated for him to stand trial for the crimes he is charged with.

It has been argued that:

1.) Amnesty already granted cannot be revoked because it has already obliterated not only the criminal liability but the crime itself.
2.) The revocation of amnesty, affecting only an individual, violates the Bill of Rights, particularly, the right to the equal protection of the law.
3.) The revocation of the amnesty violates the Doctrine of Separation of Powers, as the President has overstepped into the domain of the courts, and has ignored the required concurrence of the Congress, similar to that when it was granted.
4.) The revocation of the amnesty violates the axiomatic rule on finality of judgments, considering that both the rebellion and coup d’etat cases were already dismissed long time ago.

I offer some points to ponder on:

 That an amnesty obliterates the previous crime or offense committed by the grantee, as if no such crime or offense has been committed.

 That an amnesty issued via a Presidential Proclamation, duly concurred in by Congress, cannot and should not be revoked as it will defeat the purpose of the grant.

 That the act of receiving and processing administratively the applications for amnesty can be delegated by the Chief Executive.

 The contentious issue that the approval of such application is ultimately and exclusively lodged with the President, and the President alone, being an act of State.

 That while a person may have been qualified for such an amnesty, he/she may however refuse to be covered thereby.  Meaning, the issuance of Proclamation No. 75 did not automatically grant amnesty to Sen. Trillanes.

 That Proclamation No. 75 (which granted the amnesty) was issued to cover not an individual but a group of persons; needless to state, it was not issued to grant amnesty to Sen. Trillanes alone.

 The contention that the concurrence of Congress pertained only to the proclamation itself, not to the individual application and approval thereof pursuant to the amnesty proclamation.

 The contention that Proclamation No. 572 was issued not to revoke Proclamation No. 75; as a matter of fact, Proclamation No. 572 was issued on the basis of Proclamation No. 75, even citing the requirements and procedure set therein.

 That trial courts consider not only the issue of the constitutionality of Proclamation No. 572, but also the factual issues of (a) whether or not Sen. Trillanes actually filed his application and (b) whether or not he admitted his guilt.  The court trying his rebellion case already issued an arrest warrant (although he immediately posted bail), while the other court trying his coup d’etat case has set the DOJ’s motion for the reception of evidence on both issues.

A Lawyer's Diet

Every time I need to attend a training, seminar, conference, or convention, I do get excited to learn new stuffs. At times, they just become refreshers, but are still worthwhile. Education is indeed a continuing process. But what usually concerns me is the food that would be served, especially if the activity would last for a number of days. I always look forward to having vegies and fruits on our table. It is because they have become the main part of my regular diet. Yes, finally, I listened to the experts. I worry about gaining weight, but I got tired of doing regular cardiovascular exercise. I know it is not something to be proud of. Although the scale says now that I'm within the normal range.

I can say that the most recent conference that I attended is the most memorable one, not only because I had the occasion to strike up new acquaintances and to deepen, expand and solidify my understanding of the laws based on actual implementation, but also because my heart's simple desire was granted - having fruits and vegetables on our table. No! It's having overflowing supply of fruits and vegetables, locally produced in an organic method of farming. And that is for three days! Truly, Eden Garden and Nature Park (in Davao City) is a paradise.

Lawyers are not robots who can survive without anything to fill their tummies. And indeed, lawyers are human beings who also require proper diet in order for them to live long - and healthy - and of course, to function well. It is one profession where "stress" is almost imbedded and we all know that "stress" is a health hazard. Lawyers do a lot of trouble shooting and a wide range of problem solving and in the process, endanger their health, sometimes due to non-observance of a proper diet.

There is no question that fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients and even have anti-aging properties. I have heard and read a lot about this. In fact, scientific studies have always been cited as basis that nutritious vegetables can not only help you to stay young, healthy and trim, they can also give you spectacular protection against various diseases.

But while we think that vegetables and fruits should always find their way in our every meal, we should not forget that a healthy diet is a balanced diet. Our body needs nutrients that may not be supplied by fruits and vegetables. In an online article1, I got this very important reminder:

"In your busy life as a practicing lawyer, you probably feel overwhelmed, tired, unable to focus, and even depressed. You may think it is the nature of practicing law to feel this way, but a simple look at your diet might prove otherwise. You may not be eating enough protein.

Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the ‘building blocks’ of the human body. These building blocks repair the body and largely control how you feel mentally and physically. For example, protein increases focus and energy by causing the body to produce dopamine and norepinephrine, two substances that make you feel more alert and full of energy. It also causes the release of the hormone glucagon, which regulates glucose (blood sugar) levels for proper brain function. This, in turn, regulates hunger and energy levels. And because protein is more difficult to digest than carbohydrates and fats, it lasts longer in the body, suppressing hunger and satiating the appetite so you feel full after you eat and maintain that feeling longer."

Happy eating, Panyero 'n Panyera... :)

Footnote:

1. http://www.thecompletelawyer.com/?p=18

Opening of Positions of RTC Judges for the City of Koronadal and Surallah Announced

What are you waiting for?

The Judicial and Bar Council has announced the opening, for application or recommendation, of the position of the Regional Trial Court Judge, for the following newly created branches:

1. RTC, Branch 42, Koronadal City (07110402)
2. RTC, Branch 44, Surallah (07110403)

The Announcement states that applications or recommendations (with conforme) must be submitted not later than 9 October 2014 to the JBC Secretariat, 2nd Flr. Centennial Bldg., Supreme Court, Padre Faura St., Manila (Tel. No. 552-9512; Fax No. 552-9598; e-mail address (jbc@scjudiciary.gov.ph and jbc87supremecourt@gmail.com), together with a duly accomplished and notarized Personal Data Sheet (JBC Form 1 - downloadable from the JBC Website (http://jbc.judiciary.gov.ph).

It can be recalled that Republic Act No. 9906 was enacted in 2009, creating four (4) additional branches of the RTC in the 11th Judicial Region stationed at the City of Koronadal and at the Municipality of Surallah, both in the Province of South Cotabato. RA 9906, in effect, amended Section 14, Paragraph (L) OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, otherwise known as "THE JUDICIARY REORGANlZATION ACT OF 1980".