'No more repeat of clemency mistake'

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang and the Department of Justice (DOJ) vowed yesterday that the incident involving the “posthumous” clemency granted by President Aquino to an inmate would not happen again.

Aquino granted clemency to Mariano Umbrero four days after he died last July 15. Umbrero was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in February this year.

Human rights group Task Force Detainees of the Philippines criticized the President for the delayed action.

DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima explained that the recommendation for the clemency for Umbrero came from the Board of Pardons and Parole, which informed the President of the inmate’s death after he had spoken with the media of the freedom granted him.

De Lima, who attended the tribute for the anti-trafficking heroes, told reporters in Malacañang Friday night the President “felt bad” upon learning about Umbrero’s death.