De Lima blames Arroyo EO for Leviste parole controversy
Former Batangas governor Antonio “Tony” Leviste. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—There is a mistake in the composition of the board that has approved the parole of former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Monday.
Under the Administrative Code, De Lima said the chair of the Board of Pardons and Parole has to be the Justice Secretary or his/her representative while the rest should be sociologists, members of the academe, lawyers group, among others.
However, De Lima said it was amended by Executive Order 868 issued by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo where the head will have the rank of an undersecretary.
“My position is that there is a law and you cannot just amend it by an Executive Order,” De Lima said.
Leviste was released early this month after the BPP approved his application for parole.
President Benigno Aquino Jr. sought an explanation why Leviste was released.
While initially, De Lima said there was no indication of irregularity in Leviste’s release, she said it would depend upon the President if he is satisfied with the explanation of the BPP, Bureau of Corrections and the Parole and Pardon Administration.
“He can intervene either to affirm or reverse the grant of parole. He is head of the executive branch so all executive offices are under his control and supervision,” she added.
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