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De Lima takes responsibility for Leviste parole
By PATRICIA DENISE CHIU, GMA News
(Updated 6:42 p.m.) Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday said she is taking full responsibility for the parole granted to former Batangas Governor Jose Antonio "Tony" Leviste, who was released from the New Bilibid Prison last week.
“The parole, pardon or commutation of a sentenced person would not need my approval, but nevertheless, I am given a heads up. In the Leviste case, the BPP [Bureau of Pardons and Parole] told me that it followed the process and that requirements are met so I cleared it. But upon my review, it turned out otherwise and I take responsibility for it,” De Lima told House reporters at a hearing of the House committee on overseas workers’ affairs on the sex for flight issue.
At the same time, De Lima said, she will be submitting a report to the President on her own position regarding Leviste’s release.
“I will be submitting another memo which I’m now finalizing, setting forth my own position, views or insights on the matter, [kung] tama ba yong pagbibigay ng parole or not. I’m also making certain recommendations to the President,” she said.
But despite the development, Leviste cannot easily fly out of the country, De Lima said, adding that he is being monitored by his parole officer even after his release.
But despite the development, Leviste cannot easily fly out of the country, De Lima said, adding that he is being monitored by his parole officer even after his release.
“There is no investigation, existing case against him but we can monitor [his activities]. Because remember, when one is out on a parole, that is a temporary release. That is a state-supervised custody,” she said.
Leviste, 73, was convicted in 2009 on homicide charges for the killing of his aide Rafael de las Alas in 2007. Leviste claimed he acted in self-defense.
Last Friday, he was released from the national penitentiary, four years after he applied for parole.
But President Benigno Aquino III is reportedly displeased with the parole. In questioning the approval of the parole application, Aquino noted that Leviste's "escape" two years ago is not indicative of good conduct.
But President Benigno Aquino III is reportedly displeased with the parole. In questioning the approval of the parole application, Aquino noted that Leviste's "escape" two years ago is not indicative of good conduct.
De Lima admitted that the BPP may have glossed over certain aspects of Leviste’s prison conduct.
When asked if she thought Aquino would revoke Leviste’s parole, De Lima said she could not give a categorical stance.
“To me that is an open question, to me that is contentious issue. BPP glossed over the findings of the DOJ fact-finding committee noon na may explicit findings na lumalabas si Leviste without appropriate authority or a pass,” she said.
The Palace, meanwhile, said Aquino has received De Lima's "comprehensive" report on the basis, background, and justification for the action taken by the BPP.
But Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino has yet to respond to the report since he has been busy with Cabinet meetings and preparations for his trip to Japan later this week.
Asked if there's possibility Aquino may order the withdrawal of the parole, he said: "Hintayin na lang po natin ang pagpapasya ng Pangulo." — with a report by Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ/BM, GMA News
The Palace, meanwhile, said Aquino has received De Lima's "comprehensive" report on the basis, background, and justification for the action taken by the BPP.
But Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino has yet to respond to the report since he has been busy with Cabinet meetings and preparations for his trip to Japan later this week.
Asked if there's possibility Aquino may order the withdrawal of the parole, he said: "Hintayin na lang po natin ang pagpapasya ng Pangulo." — with a report by Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ/BM, GMA News
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