Appeals court backs Ermita in executive privilege issue.

Byline: Ira P. Pedrasa

Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita rightfully invoked the need for privilege communication when he refused to testify in connection with the failed Oakwood mutiny in 2003, the Court of Appeals has ruled.

In a 28-page decision penned by Associate Justice Normandie B. Pizarro, the special 17th division of the appellate court quashed a Makati Regional Trial Court issuance that directed Mr. Ermita to provide information that would prove that the Magdalo soldiers' takeover of the then Oakwood Premier Residences (now Ascott Makati) at the Makati central business district was merely to air out their grievance against corruption in the government. …