‘Presidential pardons are absolute’

Pardons granted by the Chief Executive are absolute and unquestionable, says President Rodrigo Duterte, admitting he granted pardons and “commuted” jail sentences to deserving inmates. CNN PHILIPPINES
Pardons granted by the Chief Executive are absolute and unquestionable, says President Rodrigo Duterte, admitting he granted pardons and “commuted” jail sentences to deserving inmates. CNN PHILIPPINES

MANILA – Pardons granted by the Chief Executive are absolute and unquestionable, said President Rodrigo Duterte, admitting he granted pardons and “commuted” jail sentences to deserving inmates.

Duterte on Friday said he has the power to “commute a sentence” and grant pardons and will never answer why he has given it.

“It’s given under the Constitution, the power to commute and pardon is absolute. My discretion lang,” he added.

“You don’t question because the constitution says it’s an absolute power,” Duterte said.

Issues about the presidential pardon and executive clemency were revived after former Calauan mayor Antonio Sanchez’s family sought the help of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo for his release due to executive clemency.

Panelo denied he recommended the executive clemency of Sanchez and instead referred the letter through the Bureau of Corrections./PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here