Pardon talks for Erap is premature – Ramos

By Ronron
September 23, 2007

The Arroyo government is “prematurely” discussing proposals for pardon on former President Joseph Estrada who was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder since the case is not yet even over as far as the judicial process is concerned.

Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos told reporters Sunday that an executive clemency can only be granted when there is already finality to the verdict against any accused like Estrada.

“Didn’t former President Erap appeal before the Supreme Court for a reconsideration of the Sandiganbayan decision against him, convicting him of plunder and sentencing him of life (imprisonment?)… I think even low level officials who are not lawyers know that pardon, which is a form of an executive clemency and other forms include commutation of a severe sentence into something less severe, cannot be carried out by the Chief Executive unless the judicial process is finished, and the person is finally adjudged as guilty and is sentenced,” Ramos said.

A self-confessed Law school dropout but Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree holder, Ramos said the person must even “spend at least one day in the penitentiary before pardon or any kind of executive clemency can be extended.”

“The judicial process (on Estrada) is still ongoing that is why I am surprised sometimes why even the spokesman of Malacanang is talking about the pardon… That is still premature because the executive clemency cannot be given by the Executive while the judicial process is still going on,” Ramos said.

The Arroyo government has offered possible pardon for Estrada, who was convicted last September 12, in the hope of easing political tension, especially that the latter still commands a huge support from the masses./DMS