Ampatuans are getting special treatment

Statement of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda

on reports that the Ampatuans are getting special treatment behind bars

Reports that certain personalities who are supposed to be in jail are receiving special treatment have already reached President Aquino. In the same way that due process is being accorded to the victims, it must also be accorded to the accused. What the government can assure the public is that the scales of justice will not be tipped over to one side or another.

The President has already stated that if investigations hold that government officials should be accountable, then they will be held accountable. We will do what is right, so long as it is clearly what is right—and what is clearly right can only be arrived at by a thorough, unbiased study of the situation.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has long been conducting surprise visits to ensure the fair and effective conduct of our prison system, and he has already ordered administrative relief of JCI Glennford Valdepeñas while an investigation is being conducted on the issue.

The pictures and video put forward as evidence are being verified to determine if the Ampatuans are indeed being given special privileges. The government has also invited Gov. Toto Mangudadatu and his counsel to provide further input regarding these allegations which, if proven true, will result in immediate disciplinary action and the replacement of personnel at Bicutan.

The President also recognizes the state of prisons in the country, and acknowledges that steps need to be taken, especially as regards the ratio of guards to prisoners, and congestion due to lack of facilities. He has already issued directives to the DILG, the DOJ, and his team of Economic Managers to come up with an inventory of proposals to reform the prison system in the country.

May 27, 2011

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Office of the Presidential Spokesperson

3/F New Executive Building,

Jose P. Laurel St., Malacañang, Manila