inq7.net -  Rick Halperin News

PHILIPPINES: No reversing commutation of death sentence; minors studied

THE JUSTICE secretary on Tuesday issued an opinion ruling out a reversal on the commutation of the death sentence of six convicted kidnappers, saying the decision of former president Joseph Estrada could be revoked by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo only "if it was done in fraud."

 The President "has accepted the opinion" of the justice secretary, her spokesperson Rigoberto Tiglao said but added she has ordered a study on another matter- the case of 7 minors reportedly languishing in the death row.

 "That would be studied for humanitarian reasons," he told newsmen.

 The President last Thursday ordered a review on the case of the 6 convicted kidnappers and the preparation of the death chamber, saying she was lifting her moratorium on the death penalty to arrest a rise in heinous crimes.

 Ms. Macapagal imposed a moratorium on death-by-lethal injection in January, a few days after she was swept into power in a popular uprising power led by the influential and strongly pro-life Roman Catholic Church.

 Last week Church leaders assailed her decision, saying she was bowing down to pressure from the Chinese-Filipino community whose members are often targets of kidnapping-for-ransom gangs.

 Legal experts also said she could be impeached for reversing a legal decision of a former president.