Rebellion charges would allow suspects to get away with the crime.
Sen. Richard Gordon expressed concern that the imposition of martial law in the province has taken public attention away from the massacre of 57 civilians.
Gordon said the filing of rebellion charges would allow the suspects to get away with the crime.
“If we subscribe to the theory of rebellion, we are part of the crime because we are letting them get away with other heinous offenses,” he told Devanadera.
Gordon pointed out rebellion constitutes only one crime which is punishable by one life imprisonment as against 57 counts of murder that carries 57 life sentences.
Gordon shared other lawmakers’ concern that charging the Ampatuans with rebellion might muddle the murder charges because rebellion is a political and not a criminal offense.
Ermita: Martial law proclaimed without actual rebellion
By Jess Diaz (The Philippine Star) Updated December 11, 2009 12:00 AM
posted by Richard J. Gordon at 5:24 PM
1 Comments:
I agree. I think it was intended to achieve the following purposes: test the constitutional provision, set-up for possible pardon of the perpetrators, show of force of the incumbent, acquisition of evidence at perpetrators safe-keeping, and PR damage control.
3:14 AM
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