Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada hailed President Marcos' Memorandum Order (MO) No. 36, which authorized the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to issue Safe Conduct Passes (SCPs) to amnesty applicants.

"Having steered in the Senate the concurrence to the presidential proclamations granting amnesty to rebels and insurgents, I am pleased to hear that the process facilitating their safe and lawful reintegration to our society has begun," Estrada said in a statement on Saturday, April 12.

"This decisive move is not only an affirmation of our government’s commitment to peace and reconciliation but also a meaningful gesture of compassion and hope for a brighter future -- for these individuals, their families and the nation as a whole," he added.

Under the directive, the NAC shall issue SCPs to amnesty applicants who are not under detention and have manifested their desire to surrender to apply for amnesty.

The SCP shall grant its holder protection from arrest and prosecution for crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and special penal laws, specifically those committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs, whether punishable under the said laws.

For Estrada, the silencing of guns, the end of warfare, and the cessation of hostilities serve as the foundation of lasting peace, prosperity and economic growth.

"Bagong buhay at bagong pag-asa para sa mga dating rebolusyunaryo at itinuturing na kalaban ng pamahalaan ang hatid nito. Isang mahalagang hakbang din ito upang wakasan ang karahasan at maraming taon ng labanan sa pagitan ng kapwa natin Pilipino (A new life and new hope for former revolutionaries and those labeled as enemies of the government is what this brings. It is also an important step to end the violence and many years of conflict among fellow Filipinos)," he said.

"Gaya ng nasabi ko noong itinaguyod ko ang pag-apruba sa Senado ng Presidential Proclamations 403, 404, 405, at 406, 'amnesty is the best policy'(As I mentioned when I advocated for the Senate's approval of Presidential Proclamations 403, 404, 405, and 406, 'amnesty is the best policy')," he added.