House files resolutions concurring amnesty granted by Marcos to rebels

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 30) — Four resolutions have been filed in the House of Representatives concurring President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s proclamation that grants amnesty to current and former members of rebel groups.

Malacañang on Nov. 24 announced that Marcos granted amnesty to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

READ: Defense groups, MILF express support for Marcos' amnesty grant

House Concurrent Resolutions 19, 20, 21, and 22 were filed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez — along with Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Manuel Jose Dalipe, Macelino Libanan, Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.

It was referred to the House committees on justice and national defense and security for preliminary deliberations.

Citing Section 19, Article 7 of the Philippine Constitution, the president has the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of Congress.

Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno earlier told CNN Philippines' The Final Word that granting amnesty to rebels will take time to materialize.

He added that the release of the first political prisoner during the Marcos administration will depend on the budget and personnel of the National Amnesty Commission that will be created.