No retraction of Jalosjos’ commutation — Palace

06/18/2007

Malacañang has stood pat on its decision to shorten the jail time of convicted child rapist Romeo Jalosjos despite opposition from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Presidential legal adviser Sergio Apostol, during a phone interview, yesterday claimed there were no lapses in the commutation extended to the former Zamboanga del Norte congressman because it was studied very carefully by the Board of Parole and the Department of Justice (DoJ), the agencies that made the recommendation to President Arroyo.

“They (bishops) have to understand that

Jalosjos is commuted because of the recommendations submitted by the Board of Parole and the DoJ, the President only acted on the recommendations made.. I see no lapses because they followed the criteria,” he said.

The Palace official stressed they respect the opinion and sentiments of the CBCP on the issue, but they are also hopeful that the bishops will also respect the decision of the Palace to commute Jalosjos.

Rodolfo Diamante, the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care executive director, in a statement, said there were more deserving inmates than Jalosjos and the commutation of his sentence was a “big blow” to the justice system.

“Obviously, it’s political because how come Jalosjos was given that privilege and (Mrs. Arroyo) denied others who are more deserving,” he noted.

“It shows that as long as you have the power and influence you’re given privilege and the justice system ... is as always tilted in favor of the rich and powerful,” the prelate added.

But Malacañang said Jalosjos has displayed good behavior while serving his time.

It added he was only among 10 inmates whose sentences were reduced and that no special treatment was accorded him.

Earlier, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the commutation extended to Jalosjos was not a result of a “deal” between the former congressman and Mrs. Arroyo.

The President has cut the jail term of Jalosjos, who was convicted in 1996 for raping an 11-year-old girl, from a double life sentence, which is equivalent to 40 to 60 years, to just 16 years, meaning he could be released from prison as early as 2010.

Despite his conviction, Jalosjos still wields political influence in his home province and reportedly helped Mrs. Arroyo and her allies win seats in Zamboanga del Norte in last month’s mid-term elections.

Reports have said Mrs. Arroyo’s move came shortly after Jalosjos’ mother personally appealed for his early release.

Sherwin C. Olaes with AFP

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