The Committees on Justice and National Defense and Security at the House of Representatives have concurred with the amnesty proclamations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In a joint meeting on Tuesday, the two committees adopted the proposed House Concurrent Resolutions 19 to 22.
During the meeting, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. emphasized the importance of granting amnesty as an integral part of the comprehensive peace process. He stated, “The granting of amnesty is a path toward normalization that would allow former rebels not only to fully reintegrate themselves into mainstream society as peaceful, productive, and law-abiding citizens, but more importantly, enable them to rebuild their lives and ensure a better future for themselves and their families.”
Galvez, who himself was granted amnesty in connection with the 1989 coup attempt during the Fidel V. Ramos presidency, shared his personal experience as living proof of how amnesty can turn a person’s life around.
The proposed resolutions concur with Marcos’ Proclamations 403 to 406, which grant amnesty to members of various groups, including the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade, former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front, members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and members of the Moro National Liberation Front.
It is important to note that the amnesty granted under the presidential proclamations is specifically for crimes committed in pursuit of political beliefs. The proclamations also specify the crimes not covered by the amnesty.
To ensure the fair and proper implementation of the amnesty, an Amnesty Commission will be formed. This commission will be responsible for determining whether applicants are entitled to amnesty. Applicants must file their applications with the Amnesty Commission within two years from the effectivity of the proclamation.
However, it is worth mentioning that the committee-adopted resolutions still need to go through the House plenary for further deliberation and approval.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez expressed the House’s commitment to act swiftly on these concurrent resolutions. He stated, “We will strive to approve them before our Christmas break so that rebels who sincerely desire to return to the fold of law and lead normal lives, along with their families and our nation in general, could enjoy the blessings of peace as soon as possible.”
Under the 1987 Constitution, the president has the authority to grant amnesties with the concurrence of a majority of the members of Congress.
In conclusion, the concurrence of the Committees on Justice and National Defense and Security with President Marcos Jr.’s amnesty proclamations marks an important step towards achieving comprehensive peace in the country. Granting amnesty provides an opportunity for former rebels to reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives. The establishment of an Amnesty Commission will ensure a fair and transparent process for determining eligibility for amnesty. The resolutions will now proceed to the House plenary for further consideration and approval.
Source: The Manila Times
