MANILA – Malacanang on Friday hailed as a "triumph" of the Philippine justice system the conviction of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon for kidnapping and serious illegal detention of four military personnel in 1988.
"We respect the decision of the Quezon City court convicting Benito and Wilma Tiamzon for a crime that happened in 1988," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
"The long arm of the law has finally caught up with the Tiamzon couple. We, therefore, consider this latest court decision as a triumph of the justice system. It clearly shows that the wheels of justice continue to grind," he added.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 216, in a decision issued Nov. 27., found the couple guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and sentenced them to "reclusion perpetua", which spans 20 to 40 years in prison.
READ: Tiamzon couple gets 40 years for kidnapping, illegal detention
In a separate statement, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the court's decision is a "positive development" towards the elimination of all forms of criminality in the country through a fair and just trial, and under a thriving democracy and independent Judiciary.
"Let this be a reminder to everyone that the Philippines is a republican and democratic country that is governed by the rule of law. The enemies of society and of the government who seek to undermine the integrity of the social order and of the nation’s lawful institutions shall answer for their misdeeds," he said.
"Those who seek to reform the social and political structure must do so in accordance with existing laws. Otherwise, they shall be accountable and punished accordingly," he added.
The Tiamzons, both consultants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF), walked free in 2016 after being granted bail to attend and participate in a formal peace negotiation in Oslo, Norway. (PNA)
