10 Aquino-Galman convicts finally free; Noynoy unhappy

MANILA, Philippines – Emotions ran high in Wednesday’s release of the 10 convicted soldiers in the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and his purported gunman Rolando Galman. A report on GMA News’ “24 Oras" said families of the convicts rushed to the National Bilibid Prisons (NBP) to meet their loved ones who were incarcerated for 26 years. "Napakahirap po ma-convict ng double murder na wala kang alam at kasalan [it’s hard to be convicted of a crime you did not commit]," a teary-eyed Rogelio Moreno said. Moreno was the one who purportedly shot Aquino at the tarmac of then Manila International Airport (now named the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in honor of the slain senator) on August 21, 1983. But Aquino’s son, Senator Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, was disappointed to the executive clemency granted by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the 10 convicts. Aquino III said the pardon highlighted the injustice under the Arroyo administration. “Thanks to Mrs. Arroyo," Aquino III sardonically told Senate reporters in an interview. He added that the convicts do not deserve the pardon since they have not shown remorse in their crime. "Ito pong nangyayari sa ating lipunan na kamalian ay mayroong katapusan, at 'yun 'yung inaabangan na lang natin [these unpleasant things that are happening in our society will soon end, and that's what we're waiting for]," Aquino III said. Aside from Moreno, the others who were ordered released were Ruben Aquino, Arnulfo Artates, Romeo Bautista, Jesus Castro, Rodolfo Desolong, Arnulfo De Mesa, Claro Lat, Ernesto Mateo and Filomeno Miranda. Last month, two other convicts, former Sergeants Felizardo Tazan Jr and Rolando de Guzman, were also freed. Former Sergeant Pablo Martinez was also granted executive clemency in 2007. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the clemency was granted due to humanitarian reasons based on the recommendations of the Board of Pardon and Parole. "She (President Arroyo) acted as called for under the Constitution. That is her prerogative, [Not] out of spite for anything or anyone," Ermita said in press conference in Malacañang. Ermita said the convicts' original life sentence was up to 40-years of imprisonment with a commutation of 28 to 34 years. "They have served more than thirty-one years and eight months. They are within the range... they are eligible for parole. It behooves upon the action of the BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) which is under Department of Justice," he said. Ermita said President Arroyo also took into consideration the illnesses of the convicts, which were certified by the BuCor and the Department of Health (DOH). Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta, who had been helping the victims secure the pardon from President Arroyo, said the men were suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney stone problems. Acosta also reminded critics that forgiveness is essential. - GMANews.TV