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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PBBM's grant of amnesty to rebels nothing new, says Villafuerte 

PBBM's grant of amnesty to rebels nothing new, says Villafuerte 

Published Nov 25, 2023 10:15 am

At A Glance

  • Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte said there's nothing new with President Marcos' grant of amnesty to rebels. 

FB_IMG_1690086233796.jpgCamarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A ranking solon in the House of Representatives said there's nothing new with President Marcos' grant of amnesty to rebels. 

In fact it's a very common move among past Philippine presidents, says Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte. 

Villafuerte, majority leader of the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA), explained on Saturday, Nov. 25 the dynamics of granting amnesty amid government efforts to welcome those who have turned their back on violence and swear allegiance once again to the government. 

“President [Jose P.] Laurel wiped the slate clean for belligerents during the Japanese occupation. And after the war had ended, President [Manuel] Roxas amnestied officials who by force of circumstances were forced to collaborate with the enemy,” said Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party (NUP). 

“Even President [Rodrigo] Duterte signed an amnesty declaration for more than 7,000 former rebels, to which Congress duly concurred, as such act can only be binding when ratified by the legislature,” he noted. 

However, Villafuerte explained that under President Marcos’ amnesty program, “acts of rape and murders will not be forgotten nor forgiven. No absolution of offenses will be given to these criminals.” 

“Our mailed-fist policy against groups who want to overthrow the government remains firm,” the Bicolano said. 

At any rate, he said the Philippine government welcomes all “those who want to return to the fold of law". 

“We extend a welcome hand, once they are properly vetted, after they have irrevocably turn their backs to violence, and swear allegiance to the Republic,” Villafuerte said. 

“This fratricide among brother Filipinos must end. A perpetual war has no winners, only losers. The toll on human lives is not only high, economic progress has also been forfeited, creating deep pockets of poverty in areas where conflict remains,” he added.

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PBBM lray villafuerte Amnesty President Marcos
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