De Lima admits being informed of Leviste parole, takes responsibility

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila De Lima admitted Wednesday that she had been informed that former Batangas governor Antonio Leviste was up for parole, with the Bureau of Pardons and Parole (BPP) asking for her clearance.

De Lima said she took responsibility for Leviste’s parole, according to Inquirer Radio 990AM.

The report quoted De Lima as saying at the House of Representatives that she had asked the BPP if Leviste’s papers had undergone the proper process and if the requirements were complete.

However, De Lima said that when she conducted the review, she realized there was an issue pertaining to the interpretation of grounds or basis for the parole. It also did not take into consideration that the former governor was caught repeatedly sneaking in and out of prison in 2011.

Revoking Leviste’s parole is possible if the issue is on the legality, she said.

Meanwhile, Malacañang confirmed that they have received De Lima’s report on the case which tackled the background and justification behind the BPP’s decision. President Benigno Aquino III, however, has yet to react on the report.

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