Almost all past administrations exercised amnesty, says lawmaker
MANILA, Philippines — Granting amnesty to rebels isn’t new for the Philippine government as this had also been exercised by previous administrations, a lawmaker pointed out.
This as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday issued several proclamations granting amnesty to former separatist rebels and communist insurgents as part of his administration’s peace initiatives.
But according to Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Villafuerte, the practice was “neither new nor novel”.
Villafuerte explained the dynamics of amnesty amid government efforts to welcome those who have decided to quit violence and return the government’s fold.
“President Laurel wiped the slate clean for belligerents during the Japanese occupation. And after the war had ended, President Roxas amnestied officials who by force of circumstances were forced to collaborate with the enemy,” said Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party.
“Even President 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 added.
Villafuerte, however, also pointed out that in the present administration’s 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,” he continued.
The lawmaker added that the 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.”
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