Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 8) — President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the creation of the National Amnesty Commission in a step towards forging peace with various groups in the country, Malacañang announced Monday.
In a government briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte has approved an executive order that will establish the commission, which will consist of seven members. This includes a chairperson and two regular members whom he will appoint.
“Kasama ito sa ating hakbang tungpo sa kapayapaan kung saan hiningi natin ang kamay ng kapayapaan sa ilang mga grupo para sila ay bumalik sa normal at payapang buhay,” he said. A copy of the order has not yet been released and it is not clear if the commission will process only applications for amnesty of former members of rebel groups.
[Translation: This is part of our step towards peace wherein we asked for reconciliation with different groups so they can go back to living a normal and peaceful life.
The chiefs of the Department of Justice, Department of National Defense, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity will serve as ex-officio members of the commission, Roque added.
He noted that the commission must process amnesty applications and identify those who are eligible “in connection with the recent amnesty proclamations pending concurrence of Congress.”
“Yung amnesty po, parang hindi nangyari ang mga bagay-bagay na nagawa ng ibang grupo na usually nagiging krimen ng rebelyon,” he said.
[Translation: With the granting of amnesty, it will seem like the involved groups have not done any crime which usually led to rebellion.]
Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has the power to grant amnesty, a public act which requires Congress’ concurrence. He can also grant pardon to any individual, but this is a private act only “pleaded and proved by the person pardoned.”
