"The terms and conditions in granting executive clemency as stated in our Constitution cannot be disputed. However, given the way this power of granting executive clemency seems to have been abused, it may be high time for us to revisit its parameters to ensure that the purpose for which this Presidential prerogative is intended is achieved."

"In America, convicts have to convince their parole board of their worthiness to regain their freedom and rejoin society. Parole hearings are open to the public who may voice opinion on their cases that will help in deciding whether to grant or deny them parole."

"In the Philippines, convicted murderers such as Claudio Teehankee, Jr., who shot and killed a sixteen-year old girl, and Sgt. Pablo Martinez, who has admitted his participation in the conspiracy to kill my father, were set free through the seemingly arbitrary granting of executive clemency."

"In both cases, the pardon was carried out in a shroud of secrecy, again belying this administration’s penchant for deliberately concealing matters that should concern the public. If these individuals were indeed more deserving than the hundreds of others who have applied and are eligible for pardon, why did the authorities feel the need to keep the news of their impending release under wraps?"

"The executive was not meant to use the power to pardon to dole out favours to friends or inflict punishment on perceived enemies. To do so is an affront to criminal justice in the country."

{ source senate }

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