Give old cons a break, Aquino urged

INDEPENDENT vice presidential candidate Sen. Francis Escudero on Sunday urged President Aquino to consider granting executive clemency to “deserving prisoners,” especially the elderly and terminally ill, during the Christmas season.

“These people should be treated with compassion, just like any other citizen of the country who needs special attention,” said the running mate of Sen. Grace Poe.

Escudero noted that the last time the President used his clemency power was in December 2012 when he ordered the release of eight elderly inmates, whose ages ranged from 71 to 85.

“I believe it is only fair and just to grant them clemency and let them spend Christmas with their families,” Escudero said.

He added: “Staying in our overcrowded jails will only aggravate the poor situation of the senior citizens and those with critical health conditions.” DJ Yap