De Lima: Aquino has list of convicts to be pardoned

MANILA, Philippines–Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Sunday she had submitted the list of prisoners recommended for executive clemency when Pope Francis visits the country this week.

“I already submitted to President Aquino the list of those recommended for executive clemency,” De Lima said in a text message to reporters.

She, however, would not say how many convicts would be pardoned, have their sentences commuted or be paroled by Aquino.

“Pending the Office of the President’s action, we can’t disclose how many,” De Lima said.

The Bureau of Corrections was earlier reported to have recommended clemency for about 200 prisoners. De Lima screened the list before submitting it to President Aquino last week.

De Lima said the President wanted to grant clemency to the prisoners, particularly those who were elderly and seriously ill, as a “gift” to Pope Francis who is scheduled to visit the country from Jan. 15 to 19.

The Pardons and Parole Administration (PPA) recommended 47 inmates for executive clemency in November last year but this has yet to be acted on by Malacañang. The PPA is also reviewing the cases of 85 other inmates who also applied for a presidential pardon.