Batasan 6 Timeline

A day after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a "State of National Emergency," police officers arrested Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran while he was en route to Marilao, Bulacan, and detained him in Camp Crame, Quezon City. He was arrested without a warrant and was not informed of the crime for which he was arrested. Beltran was subjected to an inquest at the Quezon City Hall of Justice for inciting to sedition based on a speech he allegedly gave during a rally in Quezon City during the 20th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution. He was then brought back to Camp Crame Meanwhile, on February 27, 2007, while re-booking his ticket at the Philippine Airlines main office at the Ateneo de Davao University building in Davao City, Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador was arrested and was eventually brought to the House of Representatives, escorted by Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.  Beltran, Virador and their colleagues--Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casiño, AnakPawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, and Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza--were among the 16 people charged with rebellion before the Department of Justice (DOJ) by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on February 27, 2006. The solons, except Beltran, were then placed under the protective custody of the House to avoid being arrested. They are collectively called the "Batasan 5". Timeline: February 27, 2006 - The PNP-CIDG files before the DOJ a rebellion complaint against 16 persons, including the Batasan 5 and Beltran. February 28, 2006 - The DOJ  files rebellion charges against Beltran and 1st Lt. Lawrence San Juan at the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 137. March 6, 2006 - Beltran's lawyers file a Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause. April 17, 2007 - The Makati RTC Branch 137 orders Beltran' transfer to the Philippine Heart Center. April 21, 2006 - The DOJ files an amended information before the Makati RTC  to include in the the Batasan 5 and Gringo Honasan as other respondents. April 26, 2006 - Beltran is transferred to Room 427 of the PHC. May 4, 2006 - Judge Jenny Lind R. Aldecoa-Delorino of the Makati RTC Branch 137 dismisses the "amended information". May 6, 2006 - the Batasan 5 decides to leave the protective custody of the House, promting an emergency meeting of the National Security Council in Malacañang. After the meeting, DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez issues a memorandum to Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and PNP Chief Arturo Lomibao "to allow the Batasan 5 to leave the House freely and without intervention." May 8, 2006 - the Batasan 5 leaves the protective custody of the House, where they stayed for 70 days. They march briefly to Commonwealth Avenue, and motors to the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus. May 12, 2006 - the Department of Justice files new rebellion charges against the party-list lawmakers and 41 other persons. May 15, 2006 - Batasan 5's criminal case 06-944 is raffled off to and went to Makati RTC Branch 57 under Judge Reinato Quilala, while Beltran's case 06-452 went to Branch 146 under Judge Encarnacion Jaja-Moya. May 31, 2006 - Makati RTC Branch 146 sustained the DOJ's finding of probable cause against Beltran and San Juan. June 5, 2006 - The Supreme Court issues a status quo order, freezing the proceedings being undertaken by the DOJ and the Makati RTC. October 29, 2006 - Beltran asked the SC to dismiss the rebellion charges against him. June 1, 2007 - In a 23-page decision, the SC ordered the Makati City RTC Branch 150 to dismiss the cases against Beltran and the Batasan 5. June 12, 2007 - Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera files a motion for reconsideration asking the SC to set aside its June 1, 2007. July 2, 2007 - The SC junks with finality the Solicitor General's appeal. July 10, 2007 - Makati RTC Brach 150 Judge Elmo Alameda orders the PNP to release Beltran. Sources: HOR website, INQ7, Mindanews, PCIJ, Manila Times, Supreme Court