Palace "saddened" by Supreme Court ruling on Batasan 5

Malacañang was not happy with the recent decision by the Supreme Court to throw out the rebellion charges yesterday against six legislators identified with leftist groups in what the opposition described as a defeat for President Gloria Arroyo’s administration.

Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera on Saturday said, "The Department of Justice is saddened and apprehensive with the recent ruling of the 2nd Division of the Supreme Court involving the Batasan 5, because, beyond being a decision on this particular case, the Supreme Court ruling is fraught with far-reaching and adverse consequences on our criminal justice system."

"Time-honored and well-established principles on criminal law and procedure were seemingly trampled upon," Devanadera said.

She added, "Thus, the Department of Justice, through the Solicitor General, feels constrained to move for a reconsideration of the Supreme Court ruling if only to preserve the stability of our criminal justice system."

The high court ruled that state prosecutors did not have probable cause to file charges against Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran and the group dubbed as the "Batasan 5," who were accused of plotting a coup against Mrs. Arroyo last year along with military rebels and opposition politicians.

Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño and Joel Virador, Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza and Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano sought sanctuary at the House of Representatives and are effectively free while under the protective custody of the House.