No ‘deal’ behind Jalosjos’ commutation — Malacañang

06/14/2007

Manila-- Malacañang yesterday assured the commutation extended to convicted rapist Romeo Jalosjos was not a result of a “deal” between the former Zamboanga del Norte congressman and President Arroyo.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, during a press conference, confirmed the President cut the jail term of Jalosjos 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.

He, however, stressed the Palace’s decision had nothing to do with reports that Jalosjos contributed in the electoral campaign of the administration candidates.

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.

“This (commutation) went through the regular mill,” the Palace official added.

“I don’t see how we would use the word ‘deal’ in this case because the commutation of Jalosjos is no different from other convicted persons. The President has this policy of giving commutations to aging convicts especially those 70 years old and above,” Ermita said.

He added Jalosjos was among the 10 convicts whose sentences were commuted by Mrs. Arroyo following the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole as approved by the Department of Justice (DoJ) last April 30.

“The case of former Congressman Jalosjos is no different from the case of other persons who have been convicted and are in prison or in the National Penitentiary. The procedure is for the DoJ to submit to the Board of Pardon and Parole a recommendation to the President,” he added.

In the case of Jalosjos, Ermita said the DoJ submitted on March 12 to the Office of the President a recommendation for the commutation of his sentence.

According to him, Mrs. Arroyo reduced the sentence of the former congressman as a tradition for convicts when they near the age of 70 or above.

Also, the President considered factors such as health condition, good conduct inside prison and Jalosjos’ advance age in shortening his jail sentence, he added.

Ermita said the former congressman is already old and sickly, and a reduction of his sentence should be considered.

Jalosjos, 66, was convicted and jailed 13 years ago for sexual abuse of a minor in his condominium in Makati City.

He has been hospitalized several times since 2004 for heart problems.

But Katrina Legarda, who represented the girl in court, claimed the early release was probably “payment for electoral services.”

A prominent woman’s group also branded the reduction as insulting for the girl who was raped, along with other victims of sexual assault still fighting for justice.

“What she (Mrs. Arroyo) did is not only an insult but an affront to victims and woman’s advocates,” Emmi de Jesus, secretary general of Gabriela, said.

“This is again another form of injustice to the child who was raped. This sends wrong signals to woman advocates and all those who supported the campaign for justice,” she added. Sherwin C. Olaes, PNA and AFP