MANILA, Philippines — Remorse on the part of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be a factor for consideration should President Benigno Aquino III be confronted with a situation in which he would have to decide whether to pardon her or not if she is convicted of any crime.
President Benigno Aquino III and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
“Pardon I think is governed by several policies within the Board of Pardons and Parole,” President Aquino said in an interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel. “The degree of remorse is one component that I remember.”
“Of course, at this point in time, they manifest that they are innocent of any of the charges. So if they still profess [innocence], where is the remorse? Where can we find the remorse there?” he added.
Asked if remorse was something that has to be publicly seen before pardon is considered, President Aquino said, “It’s too way, way ahead, I think.”