Larrañaga transfer to push through despite flak - DOJ chief

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is standing firm on its decision to allow the impending treaty-backed transfer of rape-slay convict Juan Francisco “Paco" Larrañaga to Spain despite the absence of a public consultation and flak from anti-crime groups. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said there is no provision under the RP-Spain Transfer of Sentenced Person Agreement that says that the family of the victim must be consulted first before the transfer. “There is no condition of that sort in the treaty. We are now just waiting for the go-signal of the Spanish government as to the transfer," she said. Larrañaga, a great grandson of President Sergio Osmeña Sr., was among those convicted for the kidnapping, rape and murder of sisters Jacqueline and Marijoy Chiong on July 16, 1997 in Cebu. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Tuesday said the DOJ erred when it did not conduct a public hearing before allowing Larrañaga’s transfer. Santiago said the hearing could have given those opposed to the transfer a chance to air their side. Devanadera said the transfer does not mean Larrañaga will be set free, adding that the Philippine government would still be able to monitor his double-life imprisonment in Spain through diplomatic channels. “The treaty is not a road to freedom. Under the treaty, the receiving state has no power to amend, modify or grant executive clemency to prisoners transferred to their custody," she said. Larranaga’s transfer to Spain, a decision approved by the DOJ under the auspices of the treaty, co-authored by Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco, sparked criticisms from the Chiong family and anti-crime groups. The Chiongs have accused Malacañang of having a hand in Larranaga’s transfer to Spain, an accusation the Palace denied. Thelma Chiong, mother of the victims, said she was shocked over the DOJ’s sudden approval of the transfer of Larrañaga, adding that she was not even informed about it. - GMANews.TV