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MANILA, Philippines – The investigation into the complaint against the head of the Philippine National Police, Major General Debold Sinas, for alleged violation of quarantine measures will continue despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s observation that he would pardon Sinas if he were declares responsible.
The Secretary of Justice, Menardo Guevarra, explained this Sunday that the complaint against Sinas, which is still pending a preliminary investigation by the prosecutors of the city of Taguig, must be submitted to the court and the court must resolve the case, a process that can take months or even years before the president can grant executive clemency.
“The Department of Justice (DOJ) or the prosecutor has to complete the preliminary investigation process. Executive clemency can come only after a guilty plea. If he is not found guilty, there is no room for the executive clemency request, ”Guevarra told reporters.
President Duterte said Saturday that he would forgive Sinas if he is found responsible for the complaint because Sinas did not commit anything that had “moral implications or malice” and the birthday celebration, called “mañanita”, in May was not the fault of the general of police. “If he is found responsible for it, I would forgive him,” the president said.
“‘If he is guilty’ indicates that the President will await a sentence of guilt or guilt after an adequate procedure, be it administrative or criminal,” said Guevarra.
He added that Duterte “is well aware” that a case is still pending and “simply indicates his intention to act liberally, in consideration of General Sinas’ overall performance as a career policeman.”
“I didn’t hear exactly what the president said. I need to know the context, but whatever the president said about his intention to pardon General Sinas, the Justice Department will do what it has a duty to do, and the president can also do what he is constitutionally authorized to do. . ”Guevarra added.
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