WORLD : Enrile, Accused of ‘Rebellion,’ Freed on Bail by Filipino Court
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MANILA — Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile walked out of jail today after the Supreme Court ordered him released on bail. His lawyers had argued that the “rebellion with murder” charge against him is invalid.
The decision appeared to be a setback for President Corazon Aquino’s government.
Enrile and six others were indicted Feb. 27 for alleged involvement in a Dec. 1-9 coup attempt in which at least 113 people were killed and more than 600 injured. Enrile denies any role in the bloody coup attempt.
Ten justices voted in favor of allowing the $4,600 bail for Enrile and two fellow defendants, hotel owner Rebecco Panlilio and his wife. Four justices, including Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan, voted to deny bail, and one justice abstained.
The court said bail was granted because chances were “fairly remote” Enrile would flee the country.
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