Manila – Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. has affirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to national reconciliation and unity through the granting of amnesty to various rebel groups. Speaking at the joint hearing of the House committees on justice and national defense and security, Galvez emphasized that the amnesty grant is a crucial component of the comprehensive peace process. He expressed gratitude towards the House for considering resolutions that support the President's amnesty proclamations, aligning with the administration's agenda for peace, reconciliation, and unity.
According to Philippines News Agency, The Amnesty Proclamations 403, 404, 405, and 406 pertain to members of various groups, including the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP/RPA/ABB), Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Galvez described the amnesty as a path toward normalization, enabling former rebels to reintegrate into society as peaceful and productive citizens and rebuild their lives.
The amnesty initiative aims to persuade former rebels that surrendering their arms and rejoining society is a beneficial choice. Galvez clarified that the amnesty proclamations do not offer a "blanket" amnesty but cover specific crimes under the Revised Penal Code or special laws of the Philippines. He underscored the importance of former rebels showing remorse and admitting to their crimes as part of turning away from violence.
Galvez explained that while amnesty removes criminal liability and restores civil and political rights, it does not absolve the grantees of civil liability for damages caused. The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) is tasked with the careful processing of amnesty applications, balancing the state's human rights obligations and the government's commitment to peace.
The House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) Nos. 19, 20, 21, and 22, supporting the amnesty proclamations, were approved during the hearing. Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed the chamber's intention to adopt these resolutions before the Christmas break, aligning with the season's spirit of hope, peace, and joy.
