Rolito Go INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Convicted murderer Rolito Go will not be included on the list of names to be recommended for pardon even if he is terminally ill.
President Benigno Aquino III will give clemency to elderly and terminally ill inmates as a gift to Pope Francis who will be in the country next week.
Go, a construction magnate, was convicted of shooting to death De La Salle University graduate Eldon Maguan in a road rage incident in 1991.
The 25-year-old Maguan was driving along Wilson Street in Greenhills, San Juan when he had a traffic altercation with Go.
In 1993, Go was found guilty by the Regional Trial Court of San Juan City of murder and sentenced him to a jail term of 40 years.
Go is currently suffering from stage 4 colon cancer.
However, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Franklin Jesus Bucayu said relatives of Maguan had opposed the inclusion of Go.
“There was opposition from family of victim. Nakakaawa na din naman sya talaga. Pabalik-balik sa hospital naka-tubo na at dun na dumudumi,” Bucayu said.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima will submit on Wednesday to President Benigno Aquino the names of those qualified to be given executive clemency.
De Lima said the priorities are the elderly and terminally ill inmates.