By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is anticipated to grant pardons to almost 1,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) this Christmas season, according to Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano on Friday (01 Dec 2023).
“This granting of pardon occurs annually, typically coinciding with the President’s birthday and Christmas. We compile a list for the Parole and Probation Administration, which is then forwarded to the Executive Secretary,” explained Clavano.
He mentioned that they expect a similar number of recipients as last year, nearly 1,000 PDLs.
While Clavano couldn’t confirm the exact number, he emphasized that there is no specific priority list.
“Qualification is the key factor. Whether a person qualifies for pardon, parole, or probation, those are the criteria for inclusion. We do not prioritize individuals; it’s about their eligibility.”
Clavano further clarified, “We consider factors such as age, disabilities, or severe illness. Elderly individuals or those with health issues are eligible for a pardon, as detaining them would lack humanitarian considerations and be detrimental to their well-being.”
(AI/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia said that persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) may still run for office if there is no final conviction yet.
Garcia made the clarification after three PDLs won in the recently-concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) 2023.
The Comelec chairperson cited the case of Aguinaldo v. Comelec in which the Supreme Court ruled that inmates have the right to vote and be voted as long as final judgment has not been made yet.
“Pinayagan natin sila makaboto sapagkat sabi po ng Korte Suprema doon sa kaso ng Aguinaldo versus Comelec at saka po [Bureau of Corrections], dahil hindi pa sila finally convicted, wala pang final judgment na sila ay guilty, therefore, meron pa silang karapatan bumoto at may karapatang maiboto. ‘Yun po ang kadahilanan kung bakit sila ay nakaboto at nakatakbo,” Garcia said in an interview with DZBB.
Garcia said PDLs are still not permitted to attend barangay halls in order to serve, even if they are permitted to seek office.
“Ngayon, paano sila magsisilbi? In the meantime, siguro naman po ay alam ng mga constituency nila na sila ay nasa kulungan… In the meantime, deprived of liberty po siya and very limited ang kaya at pwede lamang niyang gawin,” he said.
(ai/mnm)