Supt. Marvin Marcos (right) and one of his coaccused in the murder of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. arrive at the court that issued arrest warrants for them. 鈥擱OBERT DEJON
Two senators have cautioned policemen from following President Rodrigo Duterte鈥檚 orders despite his promise that they would be pardoned if charged and convicted in the performance of their duties.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Duterte鈥檚 statement that he would pardon the convicted policemen was another proof that the killings were state-sponsored.
BACKSTORY: 鈥楧uterte bordering impeachability in defending cops in Espinosa slay鈥�
鈥淎s to the policemen who would be encouraged to follow Duterte鈥檚 illegal orders, they are forewarned that they would eventually answer for all these crimes. Duterte won鈥檛 be in power forever,鈥� Trillanes, known critic of the President, said in a statement on Thursday.
Senator Panfilo Lacson said promising to pardon the cops was 鈥渆asier said than done,鈥� noting that it would take years before a final conviction affirmed by the Supreme Court (SC).
鈥淭o see an indication that it would at least happen, first, the 19 policemen involved should enter a plea of guilt upon arraignment to avoid a prolonged trial. Then an automatic appeal with the SC will not anymore be challenged,鈥� Lacson said in a text message.
He was referring to the policemen charged and arrested in connection with the November 2016 killing of former Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.
READ: Supt. Marcos, 18 cops involved in Espinosa slay arrested
鈥淎nd finally, they will hope that the SC decision affirming the conviction will be handed down within the remaining years of PRRD鈥檚 (Duterte鈥檚 initials) term. Well, they can always take that gamble,鈥� Lacson said.
Asked if the President鈥檚 statement would further encourage 聽policemen to engage in illegal activities, senator said: 鈥淜ung maniniwala silang pwedeng mangyari ang pardon within his term, baka nga lumakas loob nila.鈥�
(If they believe that they may be granted pardon within Duterte鈥檚 term, there may be encouraged.)
鈥淚f I were a policeman now, I would not take the risk. I鈥檒l comply with the law,鈥� added Lacson, who headed the Philippine National Police during the time of then President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.
Senator Francis 鈥淐hiz鈥� Escudero also reminded the policemen that pardon would only come after the final judgement of the high tribunal.
鈥淲ill the policemen hold on to PRRD鈥檚 statement and admit guilt? Or is this a hyperbole or another syllogism?鈥� Escudero said in another text.
鈥淚f not, pardon won鈥檛 even come into the picture yet as pardon requires conviction by final judgment,鈥� he said.
Senator Bam Aquino, a member of the Senate minority bloc, said the President鈥檚 statement was alarming as it indicated that there are really people who are 鈥渁bove the law.鈥�
鈥淢as magandang hayaan muna nating umusad ang ating sistemang panghustisya bago anumang pangako (It is better if we let law take its course before we make any promises),鈥� said Aquino. IDL/rga