Jalosjos freed today

Convicted child rapist and former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos will be home for Christmas, as he walks out of the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) today after serving just over 13 years of his double-life sentence.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Ricardo Dapat said he had signed the release papers of Jalosjos, even as Malacañang said Jalosjos may not be released without the necessary documentation signed by President Arroyo.

 “This type of release applies to Mr. Jalosjos. Upon review of the records section of our office of Jalosjos’ case, it was found out that he can now be released from prison,” Dapat said.

Dapat claimed there is no need to coordinate with the Board of Pardons and Parole, and even with Malacañang, since the former lawmaker has already substantially served his sentence.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said there was no document from the Board of Pardons and Parole recommending the early release of Jalosjos.

“There are no papers, no documents,” Ermita pointed out.

He said Malacañang does not deal with individual cases when it comes to commutations and pardons because these are all consolidated first before they are presented to the President for approval.

Ermita also pointed out Jalosjos, whose two life sentences were commuted by the President last June, can only be eligible for pardon when he reaches the age of 70. Jalosjos is 67 years old.

The Board of Pardons and Parole had recommended the commutation of Jalosjos’ life sentence to 16 to 22 years.
Malacañang, however, approved commuting the sentence to 16 years.

Malacañang made the announcement to commute the sentence of Jalosjos last June.

Officials said Jalosjos could even be released earlier for his good behavior.

Based on the commutation order, the 40-year life term slapped on Jalosjos was reduced to 16 years, three months and three days.

Though Jalosjos is serving two life terms, jail officials explained that for purposes of granting a commutation of sentence, the two life sentences are treated as one penalty.

Jalosjos had already served 13 years, five months and 15 days in prison when the recommendation for his early release was made by the BPP.

Jalosjos was convicted in late 1997 by the Makati Regional Trial Court for statutory rape.

Dapat said the records section of the NBP made the review of Jalosjos’ case, which confirmed the sentence imposed on Jalosjos already expired and that he can already be set free.

Prison officials also explained that if a prisoner showed  good behavior during the period of evaluation, he would be given a good conduct time allowance of 15 days. This means the sentence the inmate is to serve is reduced by 15 days.

Then BuCor director Vicente Vinarao said an evaluation on Jalosjos showed his behavior for the past few years was generally good, thus his term was recommended for commutation.

Jalosjos did not commit any violations during his stay in the NBP. He followed the rules and regulations inside the prison. It was on this basis that he was recommended for commutation, Vinarao said.

Even while in detention, Jalosjos became a high-profile prisoner as elected representative of Zamboanga del Norte until he was dropped from the roster after the Supreme Court affirmed his conviction in 2002.

While in prison, Jalosjos established the Lamb of God Foundation, an outreach program providing medical treatment for elderly inmates.

NBP chaplain Fr. Roberto Olaguer earlier revealed Jalosjos will be set free on Dec. 16 after serving a reduced sentence of 16 years for statutory rape.

Olaguer said Jalosjos’ original sentence was double life imprisonment, but President Arroyo, upon recommendation of the BPP, reduced this to 16 years earlier this year.

Olaguer said Jalosjos “would be finishing his 16-year term in November 2008 yet, but because he showed good conduct, he would go home nearly a year earlier.”

Olaguer explained the law allows the further shortening of a reduced sentence on the basis of a convict’s good behavior.

The news of Jalosjos coming home to Zamboanga del Norte was welcomed by local officials.

Dapitan City Councilor Apple Marie Agolong said they have been informed of the release of Jalosjos by the NBP.

“We have been advised by officials in Manila of his release at exactly 12:01 midnight,” Agolong said.

She said Dapitan City will have a Mass as gesture of thanks for the freedom of their former congressman.

“Exactly and simultaneously on his release we will be flying yellow balloons and there will be fireworks to symbolize his freedom,” Agolong said.

She said the activity is just the beginning of the bigger celebration in welcoming Jalosjos.

“He was saying to us that for sure he will be home (in Dapitan),” Agilong said. -With Marvin Sy, Roel Pareño