Puno pushes 9 Magdalo soldiers' pardon bid

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Sec. Ronaldo Puno on Friday said he will personally recommend to the President the granting of pardon to nine Magdalo officers who were sentenced jail terms ranging from 6 to 40 years for their participation in the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny. In an interview at Camp Crame, Puno told reporters that the nine convicted Magdalo soldiers deserve to be given pardon because of the humility and courage they have shown in admitting their wrongdoings. "Ako, personally, am in favor of granting them pardon... They have recognized that they made a mistake, and (commit to) turn away from that kind of violent course of action. I think they can be constructive member of society again," Puno said. Puno also said he is optimistic that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will grant his recommendation to pardon the soldiers. Earlier in the day, Deputy presidential spokesperson Anthony Golez said no immediate granting of presidential pardon is forthcoming for the nine Magdalo soldiers. Golez said that the Magdalo soldiers should first bear the consequences of their action before the granting of presidential pardon be even considered, and that their application for pardon will have to go through the process. Golez made the statement after the convicted junior military officers held a press conference wherein they sought forgiveness for taking part in the July 27, 2003 mutiny, and asked for presidential pardon. To recall, the Makati Regional Trial Court on Tuesday sentenced Gambala and Capt. Milo Maestrecampo to reclusion perpetua or 20 to 40 years imprisonment. On the other hand, Army Captains Alvin Ebreo, Laurence Louis Somera, Albert Baloloy and John Andres, 1Lt. Florentino Somera, 2Lt. Kristoffer Bryan Yasay and 1Lt. Cleo Dongga were sentenced to prision mayor or 6 to 12 years in jail. The court verdict came a week after they entered a guilty plea, changing their original "not guilty" plea when they were first arraigned for the crime of coup d' etat. - GMANews.TV