DOJ chief on Jalosjos release: Rich entitled to pardons, too
MANILA, Philippines - Rich inmates are entitled to pardons, too.
On this note, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez hit back Friday at critics who questioned Malacañang’s pardon for former Rep. Romeo Jalosjos.
“Wala namang sinasabi ang Revised Penal Code doon sa credit for good behavior na yung mahirap lang ang bigyan ng credit at pag mayaman ka, huwag. That would be unequal protection of the law. That is unconstitutional," Gonzalez said in an interview on dzXL radio.
[There is nothing in the Revised Penal Code that says credits for good behavior are for poor inmates only. That would be unequal protection of the law that is unconstitutional]
Palace critics had questioned President Arroyo’s pardon for Jalosjos, who walked out of the New Bilibid Prison a free man Thursday, after spending more than 10 years in jail.
Jalosjos had been convicted for statutory rape, for molesting a minor.
Malacañang officials repeatedly denied there was anything irregular or political in allowing Jalosjos’ early release.
“Hundreds of people are being given parole, pardon, commutation. So siguro naman mayaman ka man o mahirap (whether you are rich or poor), if you are entitled to it, you should get it," Gonzalez said. - GMANews.TV
On this note, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez hit back Friday at critics who questioned Malacañang’s pardon for former Rep. Romeo Jalosjos.
“Wala namang sinasabi ang Revised Penal Code doon sa credit for good behavior na yung mahirap lang ang bigyan ng credit at pag mayaman ka, huwag. That would be unequal protection of the law. That is unconstitutional," Gonzalez said in an interview on dzXL radio.
[There is nothing in the Revised Penal Code that says credits for good behavior are for poor inmates only. That would be unequal protection of the law that is unconstitutional]
Palace critics had questioned President Arroyo’s pardon for Jalosjos, who walked out of the New Bilibid Prison a free man Thursday, after spending more than 10 years in jail.
Jalosjos had been convicted for statutory rape, for molesting a minor.
Malacañang officials repeatedly denied there was anything irregular or political in allowing Jalosjos’ early release.
“Hundreds of people are being given parole, pardon, commutation. So siguro naman mayaman ka man o mahirap (whether you are rich or poor), if you are entitled to it, you should get it," Gonzalez said. - GMANews.TV
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