Victim’s family has forgiven Leviste, says De Lima

Department of Justice Sec. Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Friday that the former governor of Batangas, Antonio Leviste, was released from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City after serving the minimum of his sentence.

“The Paroles and Probation Administration, after due proceedings and in compliance with the legal requirements, granted his application for parole. I was also told that the family of the victim did not object and has expressed that they have forgiven Mr. Leviste,” De Lima said in a text message to reporters.

Also paroled were 34 other qualified inmates, De Lima said.

According to the PPA, Leviste was not being given complete freedom since he has yet to report to his parole officer and maintain good behavior.

Leviste’s parole papers state  that he must, among other thing, stay at a single address, not indulge in illegal activities or own a firearm, and not associate himself with people engaged in criminal activities.