Aquino cites ‘spirit of law’ in seeking reversal of Leviste parole
Former Batangas governor Antonio “Tony” Leviste. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Saying there’s a difference between the “letter” and the “spirit” of the law, President Aquino is looking into the possibility of revoking the parole granted — apparently without his knowledge — to former Batangas governor Antonio Leviste, a convicted killer.
“I’m having [the parole] reviewed if it could still be revoked,” he said in Filipino four days after Leviste walked out of the New Bilibid Prison after serving less than half of his 12-year sentence.
The President said he also wanted to know if the Board of Pardons and Parole could be held liable for allowing the release of the 73-year-old Leviste. He questioned why Leviste was considered for “good conduct allowance” when he had been caught outside of the NBP while serving his sentence.
“I can’t understand why [good conduct] was even considered,” he said.
“Assuming that there is the letter of the law that’s being followed, there is also what we call the spirit of the law and that’s what I want to be reviewed thoroughly.”
“How did this really happen? I can’t understand how someone — who has demonstrated that even in jail, he still was not following the law — could be set free,” he added.
“I’m having it checked if there are sanctions that could be imposed on the Board of Pardons and Parole.”
Aquino ordered a review of the “entire system” so that incidents similar to Leviste’s parole “would not happen again.” The review would also cover how officials are appointed to the parole board.
The President acknowledged that Leviste’s parole “went through the process,” and received no objection from the family of Rafael de las Alas, the long-time aide shot dead by Leviste on Jan. 12, 2007.
Still, the news caught him by surprise.
“I was surprised. I was surprised that he was given parole,” he said, recalling that he learned about the matter only through media.
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