MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte boldly declares that he will grant conditional or absolute pardon or grant amnesty to law enforcers who may be convicted of criminal anti drug offenses in the line of their related duties. “Gagamitin ko yan! Maniwala kayo! (I’ll use it! Believe me!) He said, during the fellowship dinner with his San Beda College of Law batch mates.
He explained that such assurance will encourage law enforcers to exercise their duties and not to worry about getting prosecuted for the killing of drug suspects.
Meanwhile, human rights groups expressed concerns over the number of killings over suspected drug pushers and users as numerous bodies have been turning up across the country especially in Metro Manila, even before the president assumed office.
Duterte said that he is willing to pardon 10 to 15 policemen convicted for criminal offense in the line of their duty and is ready to kill drug pushers and hardened criminals.
Once a provincial prosecutor turned politician, Duterte said he would produce pre-signed copies of pardon papers so they could be readily available if needed.” A person granted absolute pardon regains civil rights in full”, he said.
He also said that he would also grant pardon to himself after his term. “After I leave Malacanang, I will have this signed: “Pardon is hereby granted to Rodrigo Duterte” as he cannot be imprisoned because of his age.
Due Process
Duterte also said that individuals whom he had publicly shamed can always go to courts and seek requital. “Why would I give you due Process? I’m the President, hindi ako nagpo- proseso, I just name you publicly because it’s my sworn duty to protect the nation and tell you what the problem is and the people behind it” he said.
Duterte also reiterated that he is prepared to put on the line his presidency and the honour that goes with it, even if it includes his own life.
Congress
Speaker Panteleon Alvarez cautioned his colleagues against pushing for an inquiry on drug related killings. He said, law makers should concentrate on their task of law making rather than pushing for an investigation adding that an inquiry will not gain any positive results in terms of legislation to be recommended.
For if the result of the investigation is extra judicial killing- which is illegal, then there is no need to create such law. Better leave the matters to DOJ and attend to the more important priority subject like the 2017 national budget. He said.
He warned colleagues that they might be suspected as drug lord protector if they meddle into drug related killings or slow down the Duterte administration’s drive against illegal drugs. He said.
Source: Inquirer