No more favoritism in penal system, says Aquino spokesman

MANILA, Philippines – Reports of special treatment being accorded the alleged mastermind of the massacre of more than 50 civilians in Maguindanao have reached President Benigno Aquino III and the public may expect more investigations into the irregularities in the country penal system.

“Reports that certain personalities who are supposed to be in jail are receiving special treatment have already reached President Aquino,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press statement Friday. “In the same way that due process is being accorded to the victims, it must also be accorded to the accused.”

“What the government can assure the public is that the scales of justice will not be tipped over to [favor] one side or another,” he added.

Lacierda issued the statement in reaction to Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu’s allegations and presentation of pictures showing former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan, Sr. freely moving about in the compound of the jail inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig.

“The pictures and video put forward as evidence are being verified to determine if the Ampatuans are indeed being given special privileges,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda said Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo has ordered the administrative relief of jail officer Glennford Valdepeñas in connection with the allegations of special treatment being accorded the Ampatuan patriarch.

“The President has already stated that if investigations hold that government officials should be accountable, then they will be held accountable. We will do what is right so long as it is clearly what is right – and what is clearly right can only be arrived at by a thorough, unbiased study of the situation,” Lacierda said.