MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to probe the grant of parole for former Batangas Gov Jose Antonio Leviste, admitting to reporters on Monday, December 9, he also asked them to look into possible sanctions for the Board of Pardons and Parole.

Aquino said the problem is while the process for parole was reportedly followed and the family of the victim did not object to the decision, it is the “spirit of the law” that he wants thoroughly reviewed.

“I really don’t understand why one person who has demonstrated not following the law even while in prison, was released. But I’ve also ordered the review of possible sanctions for the Board of Pardons and Parole. We’re also reviewing how the board is appointed, as well as the whole system as to ensure this will not be repeated again,” he said.

Aquno said he was surprised when he first learned that Leviste was granted parole.

“I was surprised. I was surprised he was given parole,” Aquino said. “I only found out about it from media.”

The President said he knew an explanation would be good conduct in prison, which he immediately questioned.

“How can you say good conduct when he was found outside prison while supposedly serving his sentence? So I do not understand why he would even be considered [for parole]?,” he said.

It is unclear however if a review can lead to a cancellation of Leviste’s parole. Aquino said the review is still ongoing although he said he cannot implement a law that will make the parole retroactive if it is not already in the rules.

Leviste was found guilty of homicide for killing his employee Rafael de las Alas in 2007. He faced a complaint from the National Bureau of Investigation in May 2011 for evasion of service of sentence over allegations that he left the New Bilibid Prison compound in Muntinlupa 3 times that year.

In defense, Leviste said the excursions were approved by prison officers. He was not punished for it, but Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Ernesto Diokno was forced to resign. – Rappler.com