In a joint meeting yesterday (April 14), two committees of the House of Representatives approved the Committee Report on House Concurrent Resolutions 12, 13, 14, and 15, that concurs with the four proclamations of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte granting amnesty to members of certain rebel groups.
These groups are the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), and former rebels under the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).
“After the committee’s approval, it still has to undergo the approval of the plenary. Both Houses of Congress, all measures, dapat aprubahan ng plenary [should be approved by the plenary],“ House Committee on Justice Vice Chairperson Alfredo Garbin Jr. of AKO-Bicol partylist said.
Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas, chairperson of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, said “It is crystal clear po na ang [that the] amnesty program ay isang bagay [is a thing] that will promote a climate of peace to reduce conflicts and build a culture of conflict sensitivity.”
Tupas raised hopes that the process they are doing will lead to “sustainable peace” for all Filipinos.
On February 5, 2021, the President issued Proclamation Nos. 1090, 1091, 1092, and 1093 granting amnesty to members of the MILF, MNLF, MILF, RPMP-RPA-ABB, and CTG who have committed crimes under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws in pursuit of their political beliefs. The amnesty does not cover cases of rape, kidnap for ransom, massacre, terrorism, and other heinous crimes.
Read: Romualdez backs swift grant of amnesty to former rebels
An objection was raised by a couple of representatives to the use of the term “CTG,” in particular the word “terrorist.” According to Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Carlos Zarate, this is a form of “labeling.” – Report by Daniel Manalastas/JBB-jlo
