A military court denied yesterday a defense motion to drop the mutiny charges against the group of former Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda over their supposed involvement in the failed Feb. 23, 2006 plot to oust President Arroyo.
This paved the way for the arraignment of Miranda; ex-Scout Ranger chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim; Cols. Ariel Querubin, Orlando de Leon, Januario Caringal and 22 other officers for violating Articles of War No. 67 or attempting to cause, create and join a mutiny.
When he was called to face the six-man military court by Maj. Gen. Leo Jogy Fojas, Miranda and his co-respondents pleaded not guilty.
Miranda and his co-respondents were also charged with violating Articles of War Nos. 63, 65, 96 and 97 (disrespect to the President, willful disobedience to a superior officer, conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman, and conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline), but the court dropped the charges, based on motions by the defense, since the offenses fall under the two-year prescription period under the rules of the General Courts Martial.
However, in yesterday’s proceedings, lead military prosecutor Col. Feliciano Loy asked the court to be allowed to file a motion for reconsideration questioning the dropping of the four charges, triggering a lengthy debate.
The court, after a five-minute recess, denied Loy’s motion, declaring it as highly improper.
Loy, however, said he is ready to appeal the dismissal of the four charges before the Supreme Court, a move that earned the ire of the respondents. Cooler heads stopped one angry Army officer from physically attacking Loy.
Defense lawyer Vicente Verdadero described Loy’s move as “insane,” if not inutile.