CBCP Commission Slams Arroyo for Jalosjos Favor

15 June 2007— A Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) lambasted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyos’ commutation of convicted child rapist Romeo Jalosjos’ two life sentences.
Rodolfo Diamante, executive secretary of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC), said the decision clearly demonstrate the "bias" of the present administration for known political allies.
He said there are more deserving prisoners, sick and much older than Jalosjos, who should be granted with such privilege but the government has not been acting on them.
"We would appreciate it very much if the president will look into these more deserving people without certain kind of power and influence to be given such kind of executive privilege," said Diamante.
Arroyo, stormed with many political controversies, received yet another blow after commuting Jalosjos’ two life terms that would allow him to go free in three years.
Jalosjos, 66, a former Zamboanga del Norte congressman, was convicted in 1996 for raping an 11-year old girl; his sentence included an additional 15 years for each of the six counts of acts of lasciviousness.
He has so far served 13 years in jail.
Palace officials immediately surfaced to defend Arroyo’s decision.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Jalosjos was among the 10 convicts whose sentences were reduced by Arroyo after the recommendation of the Board of Pardon and Parole as approved by the Department of Justice last April 30.
He claimed Jalosjos deserves to be commuted because he is already old and sickly. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, meanwhile, said there was nothing irregular in granting Jalosjos a commutation of sentence since this has also been done for several other convicts.
Bunye was earlier quoted saying the decision to commute Jalosjos’ was a way to decongest the jails. ECPPC chairman Bishop Pedro Arigo, however, found Bunye’s statement "surprising" and "so shallow.” Speaking in Pilipino over Catholic-run Veritas 846, the prelate said commutation of sentences may, in a way, decongest jails but this should depend on the convict’s attitudes towards reformation. Diamante also believes the move was "political,” as he agreed to what other critics are claiming as "payment for electoral services rendered."
"Obviously it’s political because how come Jalosjos was given that privilege [while others were] denied… who are more deserving," said Diamante.
"There’s something wrong here. They exercise the executive privilege only to those who are giving benefits to the administration."
Recognizing the presidential power for the granting of the executive clemency, Diamante said such authority should be used to be able to give justice to the people regardless of the position in society.
He also stressed Arroyo’s move was a "big blow" to the country’s justice system.
"It shows that as long as you have the power and influence you’re given privilege and the justice system has been criticized as always tilted in favor of the rich and powerful," he added.