De Lima: I take responsibility for Leviste parole

MANILA, Philippines – Admitting that the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) might have committed a lapse in granting parole to convicted killer and former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday, December 11, said she is taking full responsibility for the decision. 

“The parole, pardon or commutation of a sentenced person would not need my approval, but nevertheless, I am given a heads up. In the Leviste case, the BPP told me that it followed the process and that requirements are met so I cleared it. But upon my review, it turned out otherwise and I take responsibility for it,” De Lima said. 

Saying he was “not happy” with the decision, Aquino earlier ordered a probe into the Leviste parole, a day after Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr said Malacañang believes Leviste met all qualifications required to be eligible for parole.

In an interview on the sidelines of the House of Representatives probe into the sex-for-flight controversy, De Lima said she is set to submit a report to President Aquino, who has the powers to revoke the parole.

“Upon my review, I saw that the BBP glossed over the findings of the Justice department’s fact-finding team then that Leviste escaped. It is an evasion of sentence, which is a requirement on disqualification for parole. The BPP, however, didn’t recognize such fact because Leviste was acquitted in the Makati City Regional Trial Court,” De Lima said. 

Leviste was found guilty of killing his employee Rafael de las Alas in 2009. In May 2011, he faced a complaint from the National Bureau of Investigation for evasion of service of sentence over allegations that he left the New Bilibid Prison compound in Muntinlupa 3 times that year.

Leviste admitted to leaving the compound but insisted the excursions were approved by prison officers. He was acquitted from the charges but Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Ernesto Diokno was forced to resign.  – Rappler.com