MANILA -- Malacañang on Wednesday allayed fears that President Rodrigo R. Duterte will give retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan a pardon, assuring the public that justice will be served over the disappearance of two university students.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after the mothers of University of the Philippines (UP) students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño raised concerns that Duterte would allow the former Army officer to walk free.
“Wala pong basehan iyan. Ang nagpakulong po kay Palparan ay gobyerno at ang gobyerno rin ang magsisiguro na mabigyan ng katarungan iyong mga biktima (That has no basis. The government jailed Palparan and the government would also ensure that the justice will be served to the victims),” Roque said in an interview over radio station dzRH.
Duterte has previously said he would pardon military and police personnel who went to jail for doing their sworn duty.
On Monday, the Malolos Regional Trial Court (RTC) found Palparan and two others guilty of kidnapping and illegal detention over the disappearance of the two UP students in 2006.
The court sentenced Palparan, as well as Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado Jr. and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio to reclusion perpetua or 40 years imprisonment.
Roque, a former UP law professor, said Malacañang respects the court’s decision.
No special treatment
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa earlier said there will be no special treatment for Palparan, who will be detained at the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
“The (first) five days quarantine period, he will undergo medical examination to determine (his) physical state and mental health. Then he will (undergo) briefing on prison rule and regulations," dela Rosa told reporters.
"Then after five days, the remaining 55 days will be used for assessment purposes to assess him on what program will be reformatory or rehabilitation program to undergo while serving his sentence. After 60 days, we will be ready to transfer (him) to his regular dormitory,” he added.
Dela Rosa said Palparan will be placed at the maximum security compound for having been sentenced to reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years, which is the highest penalty. (PNA)
