DOJ awaits go-signal from Spain for Larrañaga's prison transfer

MANILA, Philippines - The “go signal” from the Spanish government is all the Department of Justice (DOJ) is waiting for before carrying out the transfer of Francisco “Paco” Larrañaga – one of the convicted rapists and killers of sisters Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong – to a prison in Spain.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera told reporters that while the government is interested in hearing the Chiong family’s opposition to his transfer under a treaty between the two governments, all requirements have already been complied with.

“The only issue raised in the media was the satisfaction of civil liability in the case worth P375,000 for each victim or a total of P750,000. The family said they have not received the amount yet, but a certification from the Cebu clerk of court given to DOJ showed that the amount had already been deposited to the bank,” she explained.

Devanadera said as far as the DOJ is concerned, the transfer is all set.

“All conditions under the treaty are already met. We are just waiting official communication from the Spanish government – if they are ready to accept Larrañaga since they will answer all expenses for the transfer, including airfare,” she said.

The DOJ chief also stressed that there is nothing in the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement (TSPA) that requires public hearing where the government would consult the victim’s family.

Devanadera also gave assurance that the government would be able to ensure the convict would serve the double life sentence in Spain through diplomatic channels and regular reporting as required by the treaty.

“There is also no power of (the) receiving government to amend or revise the penalty or much more to issue executive clemency to the convict. So this treaty is not really a road to freedom,” she explained.

She also revealed there are currently two Filipinos convicted in Spain now seeking transfer to a jail here under the same agreement.

The Chiong family earlier reportedly accused the Palace of having a hand in the transfer.

This was denied by Malacañang even as diplomatic sources said it was President Arroyo herself, during a previous visit to Spain, who committed the transfer of Larrañaga to a prison there.

The victims’ family is set to seek relief at the Supreme Court this week to stop the transfer. – Edu Punay