MANILA, Philippines — The Senate moved to adopt three concurrent resolutions seeking to grant amnesty to members of three rebel groups who may have committed crimes "in pursuit of their political beliefs."
These groups include the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB). The groups have signed peace agreements with the government.
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The resolutions granting amnesty were adopted with 18 affirmative votes with no negative votes or abstentions on Monday.
The 1987 Constitution gives the president "the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of all the Members of the Congress."
With the amnesty grants, the government is giving a second chance to over 7,600 prospective applicants who wish to start over in society, according to Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who sponsored the three resolutions.
The amnesty does not cover those who have already been charged under the Human Security Act or the Anti-Terrorism Act that replaced it.
Amnesty will also not apply to "kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism and other crimes committed against chastity" as defined in the Revised Penal Code, violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, grave violations of the Geneva Convention, and crimes which can never be amnestied such as genocide or enforced disappearances, among others, as identified by the United Nations.
"Amnesty is an act of compassion on the part of the government. It is a chance to mend our wounds from our constant struggle. More importantly, this is our time to heal. If viewed the same by all parties concerned, then our concurrence may be another step closer towards reconciliation, and ultimately the attainment of lasting peace," Lacson said.
The three resolutions adopted by the Senate are aligned with previous presidential proclamations signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 2021.
The resolutions also called for for the creation of an Amnesty Commission that will be in charge of determining eligibility for amnesty.
Lacson — who chairs his chamber's committee on national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation — is running for president in this year's elections.
The Aquino administration granted similar amnesty to members of the Magdalo group who had participated in mutinies and similar actions during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.