President to observe prudence in deciding case of 10 other Ninoy killers – Ermita

MANILA, Philippines — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would exercise "prudence and political judgment" in deciding on the request for pardon for 10 other soldiers convicted for the murders of former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and Rolando Galman in 1983. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita gave this assurance Wednesday after former Sergeants Felizardo Taran and Rolando de Guzman wrote the President, expressing hope that their co-accused would also be granted presidential pardon or commutation of sentences. "You just have to await the President's final decision... You can be sure that the President will exercise prudence and political judgment on the final action to be done on the representation for executive clemency," Ermita said. The two former military officers thanked the President for the clemency adding that after several years in prison, they would finally be able to enjoy their along awaited freedom. The President usually grants pardon or commutation to convicts due to old age, illness and good conduct. Taran and De Guzman were released from the national penitentiary after having served the maximum term sentence of 34 years. Unless given executive clemency, the 10 remaining prisoners would be released only in 2014. Former Sgt. Pablo Martinez was released after President Arroyo pardoned him in December 2007 after he reached age 70. Former Brig. Gen. Luther Custodio (1991), Cordova Estelo (2005), and Mario Lazaga (2008) all died in prison. - GMANews.TV