The list of inmates recommended for executive clemency is still being reviewed by Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, Malacañang officials said Monday.
Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said contrary to popular belief that the clemency will be approved during the papal visit, the process cannot be expedited simply because there is an occasion.
“The decision will be merit-based. The review cannot be perfunctory just because there is an occasion,” he said.
“They’re doing complete staff work and due diligence to ensure that the decision of the President is equitable, fair and just,” Coloma added.
He said it will be a disservice if the process was hastened just to time the clemency while Pope Francis was still in the country.
“If the primary consideration is the occasion, there will be no objectivity,” he said.
“So we hope the public understands. We do not want to commit an omission or error in judgment. In due time, once the staff work has been completed, the President will take action,” Coloma added.
It was earlier reported that the Bureau of Corrections has recommended some 200 inmates for pardon grant.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima vetted the list of inmates that she submitted it to the President two weeks ago.
De Lima earlier ended speculations that convicted murderer Rolito Go might be included in the list of names to be recommended for pardon.
De Lima said Go, a construction magnate convicted of shooting to death De La Salle University graduate Eldon Maguan in a road rage incident in 1991, will not be in the list even if he is terminally ill. (Details c/o MST, Joyce Panares)
