‘GMA not bent on freeing Manero despite acquittal’

Despite his acquittal for the abduction-killing of two brothers, convicted priest-killer Norberto Manero still cannot be released from jail because President Arroyo is not bent on approving his commutation of sentence, Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said yesterday.

"Because of the strong opposition, we feel that he (Manero) will not be qualified. He can be recommended (for release or commutation) but it will still be up to the President to decide," he told reporters.

Besides, Perez said Manero — who was convicted in 1987 for the 1985 killing of Italian priest Tulio Favali — still has to serve his maximum 40-year jail term. He has been in jail for 21 years, or more than half of the sentence.

"The question now is can he be released? The answer is no, because he is still convicted of killing Favali. He has to serve a maximum sentence of 40 years. He has just served 21 years," he said.

While Bureau of Corrections director Ricardo Macala acknowledged that Manero is now eligible for commutation (or reduction) of sentence, Perez reiterated that the final decision still rests on the Chief Executive.

"But then the commutation (of sentence) or parole is not compulsory (on the part of the President). It still depends on the sound discretion of the President," he said.

Sarangani Judge Jaime Infante has dismissed the double murder charges against Manero, his wife Leonarda Lacson and brother Artemio for allegedly abducting and killing brothers Ali and Mambawatan Mamalumpong in 1977 in South Cotabato.

In his 16-page decision, Infante said the circumstantial evidence which prosecutors had presented "is not only uncorroborated by competent evidence but is extremely doubtful as well."

But Manero’s counsel, Tomas Falgui III, is still hopeful, saying his client deserves another chance "to have a new life." — With John Paul Jubelag