By Genalyn D. Kabiling
President Rodrigo Duterte has granted conditional pardon to four elderly prisoners and commuted the sentences of 23 others, Malacañang announced on Monday.
The 27 prisoners who will initially regain freedom came from the list of 127 inmates recommended by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II for executive clemency.
NBP (Ali Vicoy/Manila Bulletin/Manila Bulletin)
In a briefer provided about the prisoners, Malacañang said the President has already signed the certificates of conditional pardon and commutation of sentence.
The inmates granted conditional pardon shall be “automatically released” from prison once the certificates are given to them.
Those granted communication of sentence will either be released whenever their terms reached the maximum sentence based on re-computation or shall be granted parole upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole.
Under Section 19, Article VII of the Constitution, the President may grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons, and remit fines and forfeitures, after conviction by final judgment. Exempted are cases of impeachment or as otherwise provided in the Constitution.
The President recently granted absolute pardon to actor Robin Padilla, restoring the actor’s civil and political rights. Padilla, a known supporter of Duterte, was previously convicted for illegal possession of firearms.