All-encompassing amnesty
Recently, Speaker Jose de Venecia said that he will soon file a bill that will unify the nation. He calls this an “all-encompassing” amnesty for all enemies of the state, including deposed former President Joseph Estrada and military rebel-turned-senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
He intimated that President Arroyo had already accepted the idea and supports it as it is a legislated amnesty. He avers that he had already consulted with Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Senate President Manuel Villar, leftist lawmakers and some opposition leaders. He was quoted as saying that the amnesty would be wide-ranging to cover all insurgents and all those who have committed political crimes against the state. However, he clarified that the term “political crimes” does not include grave offenses under the category of heinous crimes.
In the case of former President Joseph Estrada, who has been convicted with the crime of plunder before the Sandiganbayan, I cannot see how plunder can be considered a political crime. Plunder is a criminal offense. Speaker de Venecia mentionof the former president as falling within the “all-encompassing” planned amnesty is an infringement on the judicial process.
As for the NPA, MILF, MNLF and officers of the AFP who rebelled against the government, planned, attempted or even conducted military action against the government, can their subsequent acts resulting in killing, brutality, maiming victims, etc., fall under the purview of the “all-encompassing” amnesty?
With the noble objective of unifying the nation, former President Corazon Aquino declared an amnesty upon assuming the presidency. Prior to that, then AFP Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos ordered push-ups for rebellious officers and men who tried to pre-empt former President Aquino from assuming office. During the incumbency of former President Ramos, an amnesty was also declared with the same objective of unifying the nation. Did these acts of amnesty succeed in unifying the nation? The mere fact that Speaker de Venecia is again proposing amnesty, answers the question. There are other alternatives — ask the people. Shouldn’t they be consulted this time? — Apolonio G. Ramos,
- Latest
